Word
retarded
Phoneticsre·tard·ed, stress on the second syllable
US/ɹiˈtɑɹdəd/
UK/ɹɪtˈɑːdɪd/
Definitions
01physics/engineering
C2 · Proficiency Science Technical
adj. describes a signal or force that is delayed because it takes time to travel.
adj. designating a parameter, such as an electromagnetic field, that is adjusted to account for the finite speed of propagation.
“The scientist calculated the retarded potential of the electromagnetic wave.”
“In electrodynamics, the retarded time accounts for the interval required for an effect to propagate from the source to the observer at the speed of light.”
Antonyms
02delayed development
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. slowed down or held back in growth or progress.
adj. characterized by a delay in development, growth, or progress.
“The cold weather resulted in the retarded growth of the garden crops.”
“Economic recovery was retarded by the sudden collapse of the regional banking sector and subsequent lack of credit.”
Antonyms
Usage
Often follows a linking verb or modifies a noun in technical contexts; highly offensive in non-technical use.
Real-World Examples
“He’s now not only out of the game, but has apparently been described by Trump, variously, as weak, confused, dumb, an idiot, a disgrace, and “mentally retarded”.” “After that, Yiannopoulos returned to the platform with a series of inflammatory posts, including one that called the “Muslim world functionally retarded”.” Etymology
From retard + -ed.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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