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

He was found with two prescription painkillers in his pocket during his arrest while also showing signs of impairment. — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026

The lawsuit emphasizes that the rule could force doctors to make complex work impairment assessments and lead to eligible individuals losing vital healthcare, shifting costs and confusion onto states. — Michelle Mbekeani, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

After observing signs of impairment, the officers arrested the driver, the state patrol says. — Katie Meyers, CBS News, 30 June 2026

The woman, who had begun to experience cognitive impairment, was hiking with a group of family and friends toward old train trestles in the area. — Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above