attention deficit disorder

noun

Examples of attention deficit disorder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Presumably, this would be most valuable to people with attention deficit disorder, or other conditions that impair their sense of organization. John Werner, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 McMahon also questioned how students with attention deficit disorders could concentrate with longer class time. Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025 Adderall is a prescribed stimulant generally used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), though some people take it recreationally. Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 30 May 2025 Elsewhere in the interview, Middleton spoke about being diagnosed with attention deficit disorder and clinical depression in late 2017 after having suicidal thoughts. Becca Longmire, People.com, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for attention deficit disorder

Word History

First Known Use

1978, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of attention deficit disorder was in 1978

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Cite this Entry

“Attention deficit disorder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://x0upouf933.proxynodejs.usequeue.com/dictionary/attention%20deficit%20disorder. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

attention deficit disorder

noun
: a condition that is characterized by an inability to maintain attention or by excessively active and impulsive behavior or by a combination of both and that interferes with one's ability to function in school, home, work, or with others

Medical Definition

attention deficit disorder

noun
: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
In the early 1980s, the third DSM added a condition it called "attention deficit disorder", listing two types: attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity … and attention deficit disorder as the subtype without the hyperactivity. However, seven years later, a revised DSM (DSM-III-R) replaced ADD (and its two sub-types) with ADHD
abbreviation ADD

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