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
Vision impairment: Damage to structures in the eye or severe endophthalmitis (inflammation in the eye) can lead to lasting vision loss.
—Troy Bedinghaus, Od, Verywell Health, 1 June 2024
Nearly two-thirds of Americans over age 70 have some degree of hearing loss, and over half of those 75 and older experience impairment serious enough to be considered disabling.
—Mary C. White, The Mercury News, 30 May 2024
Meanwhile, the study concluded that by the end of the research, 1,108 participants had had a stroke and 768 were diagnosed with cognitive impairment.
—Gabrielle Rockson, Peoplemag, 23 May 2024
The girl’s mother, a 38-year-old from Lincoln, showed signs of alcohol impairment, and deputies discovered an open bottle of brandy inside the vehicle, according to Houchin.
—Lauren Liebhaber, Kansas City Star, 13 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for impairment 
Troy Bedinghaus, Od, Verywell Health, 1 June 2024
Nearly two-thirds of Americans over age 70 have some degree of hearing loss, and over half of those 75 and older experience impairment serious enough to be considered disabling.
—Mary C. White, The Mercury News, 30 May 2024
Meanwhile, the study concluded that by the end of the research, 1,108 participants had had a stroke and 768 were diagnosed with cognitive impairment.
—Gabrielle Rockson, Peoplemag, 23 May 2024
The girl’s mother, a 38-year-old from Lincoln, showed signs of alcohol impairment, and deputies discovered an open bottle of brandy inside the vehicle, according to Houchin.
—Lauren Liebhaber, Kansas City Star, 13 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for impairment
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.
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Cite this Entry
“Impairment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impairment. Accessed 8 Jun. 2024.
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