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
There are four guestrooms specifically designed for those with mobility, hearing, or visual impairments.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
Investigators noted that the driver showed no signs of impairment.
—Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
The golfer was traveling at high speeds on a beachside, residential road on Jupiter Island when his Land Rover clipped the truck and rolled onto its side, according to the sheriff’s office, which noted Woods showed signs of impairment.
—Mike Schneider, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026
Carter allegedly showed signs of impairment and was transported to the KHP Wyandotte County office for sobriety tests.
—Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for impairment
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Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
Investigators noted that the driver showed no signs of impairment.
—Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
The golfer was traveling at high speeds on a beachside, residential road on Jupiter Island when his Land Rover clipped the truck and rolled onto its side, according to the sheriff’s office, which noted Woods showed signs of impairment.
—Mike Schneider, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026
Carter allegedly showed signs of impairment and was transported to the KHP Wyandotte County office for sobriety tests.
—Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for impairment
Cite this Entry
“Impairment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impairment. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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