retarded
adj.adj. describing something that is slowed down or delayed. In modern social contexts, this word is extremely offensive when used to describe people and should be avoided.
adj. characterised by a delay or deceleration in progress, development, or movement. While used technically in fields like physics or music, it is highly derogatory and socially taboo when applied to individuals with intellectual disabilities.
The chemical reaction was retarded by the addition of a cooling agent.
The engineers noted that the flow of water was retarded by the narrow pipes, causing a significant drop in pressure.
In certain physical systems, the retarded potential accounts for the time delay required for a signal to travel from the source to a distant observer at the speed of light.
From retard + -ed.
Often follows a linking verb or modifies a noun in technical contexts; highly offensive in non-technical use.