special needs

plural noun

: any of various difficulties (such as a physical, emotional, behavioral, or learning disability or impairment) that causes an individual to require additional or specialized services or accommodations (such as in education or recreation)

students with special needs

special-needs

ˈspe-shəl-ˈnēdz 

adjective

or special needs

special-needs children

a special needs teacher

Examples of special needs in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Group visits can also be arranged, as well as visits for those with special needs. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 May 2026

Last year's inaugural Gaudreau Family 5K raised more than half a million dollars for a special needs playground at Archbishop Damiano School in Westville, New Jersey, where Jane and her daughter Kristen work. —Jan Carabeo, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026

Every jurisdiction is different, but many have programs that help reduce costs for owner-occupants, for elderly homeowners and for those who have special needs or disabilities. —Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026

The document that guides future care A letter of intent is a non-legal document that outlines a parent’s wishes, routines and guidance for future caregivers and trustees of a child with special needs. —Bruce Helmer, Twin Cities, 25 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for special needs

• centipedes
• intercedes
• millipedes
• supersedes
• accedes
• concedes
• exceeds
• impedes
• misdeeds
• misleads
• oilseeds
• precedes

Kids Definition

special needs

plural noun

: any of various difficulties (such as physical, emotional, behavioral, or learning disability or impairment) that causes an individual to require additional or specialized services or accommodations (such as in education or recreation)

special–needs adjective

Medical Definition

special needs

noun plural

: the individual requirements (as for education) of a person with a disadvantaged background or a mental, emotional, or physical disability or a high risk of developing one

Some urban homeschooled kids, particularly those with special needs, were previously enrolled in school but not served well there.

—Linda Perlstein, Newsweek

special-needs adjective

special-needs students