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 Driver impairment is not thought to be a factor in this accident and no charges are expected to be brought against the driver, the release states. Nwa Democrat-Gazette, arkansasonline.com, 27 Apr. 2024 Earlier this year, she was saved by animal control after experiencing a trauma to her head that led to a seizure and visual impairment. Teryn Jones and, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2024 Advertisement Check out the guide One red flag parents can look out for is a child’s eyes crossing, which may signify a visual impairment. Isabella Balandran, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2024 It’s also associated with cognitive impairment, kidney disease, diabetes and lasting harm to fetal development. Silvia Foster-Frau, Washington Post, 18 Apr. 2024 Accessibility and Sustainability Per Greek laws, five percent of the hotel's 115 accommodations are outfitted for guests with mobility impairments. Maya Kachroo-Levine, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2024 The people who would benefit most from BCI devices, people with major motor impairments like Arbaugh and Burkhart, would still depend on human labor for many things, such as getting in and out of bed, bathing, dressing, and eating. S. I. Rosenbaum, The Atlantic, 7 Apr. 2024 Operating expenses for the full year 2023 were $78.5 million, which includes the one-time write off for impairment of goodwill of $60.9 million, compared to $26.8 million in the prior year. Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2024 As many turn their eyes to the skies to watch the solar eclipse, some with vision impairment are turning their ears to a new gadget. Michael Dobuski, ABC News, 8 Apr. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'impairment.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 3 May. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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