1. the action of delaying or slowing the progress or development of something
2. a decrease in speed or rate of motion
Usage: physics; technical
3. delayed or slower than normal intellectual development
Usage: medical; dated – now considered offensive

Examples

• The construction caused significant retardation of traffic flow.
• Weather conditions led to the retardation of the flight schedule.
• The scientist measured the retardation of the pendulum’s swing.
• Economic policies resulted in the retardation of industrial growth.
• The medication caused a retardation in the disease’s progression.
• Friction causes retardation in moving objects.