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Definition of Reading retardation

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Reading retardation: Reading retardation means impaired ability to read. Reading retardation is an impairment that may, for example, reflect mental retardation or cultural deprivation.

Reading retardation is different from dyslexia, a specific reading disability due to a defect in the brain's (higher cortical) processing of graphic symbols; in other words, dyslexia is a learning disability that alters the way the brain processes written material.