retarded
adjective
re·tard·ed ri-ˈtär-dəd 
1
dated, now offensive : affected by intellectual disability : intellectually disabled
Note: The term retarded is increasingly considered offensive. The use of intellectually disabled is now preferred over retarded in medical, educational, and regulatory contexts, as well as in general use.
2
informal + offensive : very stupid or foolish
Cite this Entry
“Retarded.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/retarded. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
retarded
adjective
re·tard·ed ri-ˈtärd-əd
offensive
: affected by intellectual disability
—used chiefly in the past
Medical Definition
retarded
adjective
re·tard·ed ri-ˈtärd-əd
dated, now offensive
: affected by intellectual disability : intellectually disabled
Note: The term retarded is increasingly considered offensive. The use of intellectually disabled is now preferred over retarded in medical, educational, and regulatory contexts, as well as in general use.
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