impairment

noun

im·​pair·​ment im-ˈper-mənt How to pronounce impairment (audio)
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 impairmentsThe Springfield (Massachusetts) Union-News

Examples of impairment in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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This year, Novo Nordisk plans to report findings from a phase 3 clinical trial to see if semaglutide can slow cognitive impairment and other signs of Alzheimer’s disease progression, even in people without obesity. Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 23 Jan. 2025 According to state police, Brown allegedly showed signs of impairment and smelled of alcohol. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 23 Jan. 2025 Among multiple other afflictions Levine expects are vitamin deficiencies, starvation, dramatic weight loss, vision problems due to a lack of sunlight, broken bones, cognitive impairment and mental health trauma. Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025 One other important point is that those symptoms must also involve considerable distress or some level of impairment in someone’s life, such as interrupting relationships, work, school or self-care, for instance. Ian H. Stanley, The Conversation, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for impairment 

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

Cite this Entry

“Impairment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impairment. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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