retardation meaning and definition

RETARDATION noun

Definition of retardation (noun)

1. a decrease in rate of change
   • "the deceleration of the arms race"
   • synonyms: deceleration, slowing
   • antonym: acceleration
2. the extent to which something is delayed or held back
3. any agent that retards or delays or hinders
   • "flame-retardant"
   • synonyms: retardant, retardent
4. lack of normal development of intellectual capacities
   • synonyms: backwardness, mental retardation, slowness, subnormality
5. the act of slowing down or falling behind
   • synonyms: lag, slowdown