impairment

noun

im·​pair·​ment im-ˈper-mənt 

plural impairments

: 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

Tom Carter, federal security director for New Jersey at the TSA, said in last year’s press release that the training helps officers better understand the needs of travelers with visual impairments. —Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2026

These impairments can impact gene expression, brain function, and immune function, as well as behaviors or coping strategies that one adopts to deal with toxic stress, says Ports. —Rob Williams, EverydayHealth.com, 22 Apr. 2026

He was preceded in birth order by brothers Virl and Tom, who were born with severe hearing impairment. —Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026

By 2019, though, the patient had a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment, and medical evidence was emerging about a connection between hypertension (the medical term for high blood pressure) and dementia. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above