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
Corby KummerTrichloroethylene has been classified by EPA as a probable human carcinogen, although its primary effect is impairment of the central nervous system.—Chemical & Engineering News
Chemical & Engineering NewsPersons 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
Maryland MagazineStudies show that roughly 11 percent of all kindergarteners have speech or language impairments …—The Springfield (Massachusetts) Union-News
The Springfield (Massachusetts) Union-NewsExamples of impairment in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In a recent demonstration shared online, Nick Wray used the arm to pick up a cup and drink from it, marking a significant step toward restoring autonomy for people with severe mobility impairments.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2025
Some people in this group had Alzheimer’s dementia, others had what is called mild cognitive impairment of the Alzheimer’s type (which is sometimes a precursor to the disease) while another group with no evidence of dementia or cognitive decline served as a control.
—Robert Martone, Scientific American, 10 Oct. 2025
The law makes certain exceptions, such as if a physician determines that ending a pregnancy could save a pregnant person's life or prevent substantial impairment of a major bodily function.
—Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 9 Oct. 2025
Leaper Williams, a Lawrence High graduate who started working at KU at 16, emerged as one of KU football’s most recognizable employees through the years, overcoming a development impairment due to anoxia, a lack of oxygen to the brain, at birth.
—Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for impairment
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Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2025
Some people in this group had Alzheimer’s dementia, others had what is called mild cognitive impairment of the Alzheimer’s type (which is sometimes a precursor to the disease) while another group with no evidence of dementia or cognitive decline served as a control.
—Robert Martone, Scientific American, 10 Oct. 2025
The law makes certain exceptions, such as if a physician determines that ending a pregnancy could save a pregnant person's life or prevent substantial impairment of a major bodily function.
—Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 9 Oct. 2025
Leaper Williams, a Lawrence High graduate who started working at KU at 16, emerged as one of KU football’s most recognizable employees through the years, overcoming a development impairment due to anoxia, a lack of oxygen to the brain, at birth.
—Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for impairment
Cite this Entry
“Impairment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impairment. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.
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