impairment

noun

im·pair·ment | \ im-ˈper-mənt

plural impairments

Definition of impairment

: 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