impairment

noun

im·​pair·​ment im-ˈper-mənt How to pronounce impairment (audio)
plural impairments
Synonyms of impairmentnext
: the act of impairing something or the state or condition of being impaired : diminishment or loss of function or ability
… it does not help reverse the impairment of cognitive activity caused by diazepam …—Corby Kummer
Trichloroethylene has been classified by EPA as a probable human carcinogen, although its primary effect is impairment of the central nervous system.—Chemical & Engineering News
Persons with hearing impairments can now get information about local parks and their facilities by calling the recently installed TDD phone numbers within the Parks Department.—Maryland Magazine
Studies show that roughly 11 percent of all kindergarteners have speech or language impairments …—The Springfield (Massachusetts) Union-News

Examples of impairment in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Graves noted that impairment was not ruled out as a factor on the part of the driver, who was herself injured. —Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 3 Apr. 2024 Cognitive impairment may lead older adults to neglect self-care, including diet, exercise, and blood sugar monitoring. —Barbie Cervoni, Health, 2 Apr. 2024 Periodontitis is associated with a slew of systemic ills: heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, diabetes, endocarditis, chronic kidney disease, recurrent pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, gastritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer and cognitive impairment. —Lola Butcher, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Mar. 2024 Nearly 3 million people affected with nervous system impairment around the globe have included Christina Applegate, Selma Blair, Montel Williams, Jamie-Lynn Sigler and the late Richard Pryor. —Julie Seabaugh, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2024 The 93-person trial was not designed to test the device’s ability to forestall visual impairment—the primary concern for individuals with glaucoma. —IEEE Spectrum, 22 Mar. 2024 Indeed, patients with chronic sinusitis reported more cognitive dysfunction on the questionnaire and showed at least some impairment on the tests as compared with the healthy controls. —Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 21 Mar. 2024 Championing Accessibility and Inclusivity The X1 AI Interpreter Hub also heralds a new dawn for accessibility and inclusivity, offering a lifeline to those who navigate the world differently due to hearing impairments or reliance on sign language. —William Mullane, USA TODAY, 16 Mar. 2024 At trial, Trump’s attorneys may well be able to present him, too, as an old man with mental impairments that undermine the prosecution’s proof of willfulness. —Jeannie Suk Gersen, The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'impairment.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of impairment was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near impairment

impaired life

impairment

impala

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Impairment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impairment. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.

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