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

Lead poisoning causes cognitive impairment and difficulty with memory formation. — Joe Holberg, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026

By far, the substantial supervision test, the cognitive impairment prong, is the most common pathway. — James Lange, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Competing in the coordination impairment category, Martin was born with bilateral neurogenic club feet. — Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 8 July 2026

Almost half live with four or more chronic health conditions that can cause functional or cognitive impairments. — Susan Jaffe, NPR, 6 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above