executive function
noun
psychology
: the group of complex mental processes and cognitive abilities (such as working memory, impulse inhibition, and reasoning) that control the skills (such as organizing tasks, remembering details, managing time, and solving problems) required for goal-directed behavior
The biggest impacts, she says, are in enhancing what's known as executive function—the ability to perform complex tasks that rely on planning or decision making.—
Janet Raloff
Janet Raloff
also
: one of these complex mental processes
But a new study reports that soccer players actually have superior executive functions, the brain processes responsible for planning and abstract thinking. —Sindya N. Bhanoo
Sindya N. Bhanoo
executive functioning
noun
Measures of attention, hyperactivity, and executive functioning (the ability to process feedback, interpret life's good and bad moments, and react in an appropriate way to events) were based on reports from parents and teachers …
—David Kirby
David Kirby
Examples of executive function in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Practicing mindful breathing meditation, although research on its effectiveness in improving executive functions is mixed.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 10 Mar. 2025
Fostering strong executive function skills is another key element in your children’s success.
—Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
Remember, getting dressed also involves executive functions like planning and sequencing.
—Sherri Gordon, Parents, 17 Feb. 2025
Just as a garden needs balanced attention to all its elements to thrive, your child's executive function skills need comprehensive support to develop properly.
—Charell G. Coleman, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for executive function
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Dominique Fluker, Essence, 10 Mar. 2025
Fostering strong executive function skills is another key element in your children’s success.
—Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
Remember, getting dressed also involves executive functions like planning and sequencing.
—Sherri Gordon, Parents, 17 Feb. 2025
Just as a garden needs balanced attention to all its elements to thrive, your child's executive function skills need comprehensive support to develop properly.
—Charell G. Coleman, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for executive function
Cite this Entry
“Executive function.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/executive%20function. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
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