executive function
noun
psychology
: the group of complex mental processes and cognitive abilities (such as working memory, impulse inhibition, and reasoning) that control the skills (such as organizing tasks, remembering details, managing time, and solving problems) required for goal-directed behavior
The biggest impacts, she says, are in enhancing what's known as executive function—the ability to perform complex tasks that rely on planning or decision making.—
Janet Raloff
Janet Raloff
also
: one of these complex mental processes
But a new study reports that soccer players actually have superior executive functions, the brain processes responsible for planning and abstract thinking. —Sindya N. Bhanoo
Sindya N. Bhanoo
executive functioning
noun
Measures of attention, hyperactivity, and executive functioning (the ability to process feedback, interpret life's good and bad moments, and react in an appropriate way to events) were based on reports from parents and teachers …
—David Kirby
David Kirby
Examples of executive function in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Tools like cognitive style assessments, working memory studies, and even basic brain scans have revealed how people vary in executive function, attention span, and processing speed.
—Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
At the time of the brain scans, researchers conducted cognitive tests to assess working memory, executive function, and fluency (the ease with which the brain processes information).
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 24 Mar. 2025
How Families Can Improve Sleep Hygiene A 2018 study found that children with consistent bedtime routines have better executive function, school readiness, and overall well-being.
—Lia Miller, Parents, 14 Mar. 2025
After a single walnut-rich breakfast, participants showed faster reaction times during cognitive tasks measuring executive function, the set of mental skills that are used to manage everyday tasks like making plans, problem-solving and adapting to new situations.
—New Atlas, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for executive function
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Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
At the time of the brain scans, researchers conducted cognitive tests to assess working memory, executive function, and fluency (the ease with which the brain processes information).
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 24 Mar. 2025
How Families Can Improve Sleep Hygiene A 2018 study found that children with consistent bedtime routines have better executive function, school readiness, and overall well-being.
—Lia Miller, Parents, 14 Mar. 2025
After a single walnut-rich breakfast, participants showed faster reaction times during cognitive tasks measuring executive function, the set of mental skills that are used to manage everyday tasks like making plans, problem-solving and adapting to new situations.
—New Atlas, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for executive function
Cite this Entry
“Executive function.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/executive%20function. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
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