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
Officers noticed that Brassart was displaying signs of impairment and began an investigation into her daughter’s death.
—Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026
Accessibility for people with mobility impairments There are rooms available with accessible bathrooms, and the hotel also offers an ADA compliance kit to support guests where applicable.
—Cassie Doney, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Jan. 2026
Eleanor This stunning pup from Double J Dog Ranch in Hauser, Idaho, is deaf and has visual impairments.
—Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
The crash is under investigation, but police said preliminary findings suggest that alcohol and drug impairment did not play a role.
—Jason Green, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for impairment
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Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026
Accessibility for people with mobility impairments There are rooms available with accessible bathrooms, and the hotel also offers an ADA compliance kit to support guests where applicable.
—Cassie Doney, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Jan. 2026
Eleanor This stunning pup from Double J Dog Ranch in Hauser, Idaho, is deaf and has visual impairments.
—Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
The crash is under investigation, but police said preliminary findings suggest that alcohol and drug impairment did not play a role.
—Jason Green, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for impairment
Cite this Entry
“Impairment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impairment. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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