noun

ataxia

uh-TAK-see-uh

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Ataxia (noun) means a lack of coordination in voluntary movements, which can look like clumsiness, inaccuracy or unsteadiness. Example: “The illness left him with severe ataxia, making it hard to walk in a straight line.”

noun

clinical A lack of coordination in voluntary movements, which can look like clumsiness, inaccuracy or unsteadiness.

"The illness left him with severe ataxia, making it hard to walk in a straight line."

"Doctors checked her balance to look for signs of ataxia."

"Ataxia can affect speech as well as movement."

How to use ataxia

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTrouble controlling movements smoothly, so they look clumsy or unsteady.

When to use it

A clinical term used mainly in medicine rather than everyday speech.

Memory tip

Ataxia describes a symptom, uncoordinated movement, rather than naming one specific disease.

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Common pairings

signs of ataxia suffer from ataxia a form of ataxia ataxia symptoms

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The illness left him with severe _____, making it hard to walk in a straight line.

Etymology

Ataxia was borrowed from an Ancient Greek word meaning disorder, which itself came from a word meaning disorderly. Taken apart, it combines a prefix meaning not with a root meaning order.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Synonyms

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ataxy dyssynergia

Rhymes for ataxia

Odia aria India Syria Latvia acacia Zambia LGBTQIA ectasia hryvnia begonia anaemia

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Frequently asked questions

What is ataxia?

Ataxia is a lack of coordination in voluntary movements, which can appear as clumsiness, inaccuracy or instability.

What is another word for ataxia?

Ataxy is used as another word for it.

What are the signs of ataxia?

Signs include clumsy, inaccurate or unsteady movement during actions a person means to control.

What is the meaning of ataxia?

"ataxia" (noun) means a lack of coordination in voluntary movements, which can look like clumsiness, inaccuracy or unsteadiness.