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

Augustin was not suffering from any medical or mental health issue or impairment, his sister told authorities, per the complaint. —Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025

Dementia patients have been found to have three to five times more plastic particles in their brains than those without cognitive impairment. —Bill Frist, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025

Composed of mercury and sulfur, cinnabar releases toxic mercury vapors, which can lead to a plethora of health issues, including neurological damage, tremors, and cognitive impairments. —Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 13 Mar. 2025

An astronaut suffering a broken arm or a traumatic brain injury during a mission would have a persistent impairment. —Jesse Rhoades, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above