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

The review describes cognitive and behavioral consequences that can include impairments in working memory, decision making and emotional regulation. — Shahrzad Jalali, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Reducing the risk Although the study found an association between ADHD and cognitive impairment, Landsverk emphasized that some lifestyle behaviors can help people reduce their overall dementia risk. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026

But because the study was observational, the results only demonstrate a correlation between ADHD and cognitive impairment, not that ADHD causes it. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Police said in a social media post that officers contacted the man at the scene and observed signs of possible impairment from a central nervous system stimulant. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above