as in deceleration
a usually gradual decrease in the pace or level of activity of something
scientists discovered that they could achieve the retardation of light if they shined it through a variety of substances
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Recent Examples of retardation
The degree of retardation is usually mild, but can be moderate to severe.
—
Mark Cohen, Discover Magazine, 4 Apr. 2012
The criteria were: episodes that last no longer than 2 months, and that do not include suicidal feelings, psychotic symptoms, psychomotor retardation, or feelings of worthlessness.
—Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 15 Mar. 2013
The Everrati's left pedal operates pads on discs in the normal fashion, but the motors also give powerful regenerative retardation when the accelerator is lifted.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 18 June 2021
The Vantage’s brake pedal has a nice firm weight but little travel, retardation being down to pressure rather than movement.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 28 Feb. 2018
The policy of retardation of submarine technology ended right after the beginning of the Anglo-German naval race (marked by the German Naval Laws of 1898 and 1900).
—chicagotribune.com, 28 July 2017
At the end Austen had psychomotor retardation and could barely move.
—Rene Chun, Los Angeles Magazine, 19 June 2017
The front wheels threaten to lock up under what feels like normal levels of retardation at low speeds.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 30 June 2017
Mark Cohen, Discover Magazine, 4 Apr. 2012
The criteria were: episodes that last no longer than 2 months, and that do not include suicidal feelings, psychotic symptoms, psychomotor retardation, or feelings of worthlessness.
—Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 15 Mar. 2013
The Everrati's left pedal operates pads on discs in the normal fashion, but the motors also give powerful regenerative retardation when the accelerator is lifted.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 18 June 2021
The Vantage’s brake pedal has a nice firm weight but little travel, retardation being down to pressure rather than movement.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 28 Feb. 2018
The policy of retardation of submarine technology ended right after the beginning of the Anglo-German naval race (marked by the German Naval Laws of 1898 and 1900).
—chicagotribune.com, 28 July 2017
At the end Austen had psychomotor retardation and could barely move.
—Rene Chun, Los Angeles Magazine, 19 June 2017
The front wheels threaten to lock up under what feels like normal levels of retardation at low speeds.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 30 June 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retardation
Noun
-
The Associated Press pointed to the possibility of tariffs and a decline in consumer spending as the reasons for the earlier drop.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
4 Mar. 2025
-
It’s commonly accepted HR doctrine that after a large layoff, those who stay suffer a 20% decline in their job performance.—
Phil Blair,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Mar. 2025
Noun
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For example, the ISM Manufacturing Index typically falls below 50 before an economic slowdown takes full effect, signaling an impending downturn.—
Jason Schenker,
Forbes,
10 Mar. 2025
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Last year, while Diesel, Maison Margiela and the direct-to-consumer channel all reported growth, the slowdown in China and a 15 percent decrease in the group’s wholesale channel impacted OTB’s turnover, which decreased 5.2 percent to 1.8 billion euros, compared with 1.9 billion euros in 2023.—
Luisa Zargani,
WWD,
10 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The drop had less to do with Kinder’s Q4 report (which was a lot more good than bad) and more to do with the fact that KMI shares had roughly doubled for the year heading into it.—
Brett Owens,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
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The collaboration features multiple chapters, with the superstar unveiling more items with each drop.—
Caché McClay,
USA TODAY,
1 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Adams’ hot streak comes at a pivotal time, with teammate Zeke Mayo in a shooting slump.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
3 Mar. 2025
-
Souring consumer sentiment knocked sports stocks back 4% in February, as apparel and gear makers bore the brunt of a market wide slump.—
Brendan Coffey,
Sportico.com,
3 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Retardation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retardation. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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