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

Schultz noted on Thursday’s call that the company incurred store impairment charges of 28 million pounds in fiscal 2026 related to the optimization of the Hibbett store portfolio. —Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 7 May 2026

Deputies noted signs of impairment. —Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 6 May 2026

The organization helps empower children with visual impairments and other disabilities to reach their fullest potential. —Samantha Gowen, Oc Register, 4 May 2026

In particular, Jim Cramer wishes management had better telegraphed its plans to book a $184 million goodwill impairment charge for its Navista and ION reporting unit, which is part of the MSO business. —Zev Fima,kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 1 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above