Retardation (noun)

1. The act or process of slowing down or delaying.
2. A slowing down or reduction in the rate of development, progress, or activity.
3. A developmental disability in which a person's physical or mental growth is slower than normal.

Origin:

Late 19th century: from french rétardation, from retarder "to delay".

Examples:

1. The retardation of the project caused delays and increased costs.
2. The retardation of the economy was a major concern for the government.
3. The retardation of the child's development was a concern for the parents and doctors.
4. The retardation of the process led to a backlog of work.
5. The retardation of the delivery caused inconvenience for the customer.