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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These things will make your video content more accessible for non-native speakers and users with hearing impairments. Karan Sharma, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025 The increase in loss is attributed to impairment charges on intangible assets and changes in fair value of contingent consideration. Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 24 Mar. 2025 The link between shaking and later cognitive impairment was not lost on me. Lori Frasier, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2025 What drives people at the elite level to suffer to the point of self-harm, permanent impairment or worse? Tim Genske, Forbes, 19 Mar. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Impairment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impairment. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on impairment

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!