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
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
In Colorado, more than than 26% of the 2025 motorcycle fatalities involved impairment, CDOT officials said.
—Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 1 May 2026
Early testers with paralysis have already demonstrated the device’s effectiveness by controlling digital interfaces and robotic limbs solely through thought, proving the technology’s potential to restore independence to those with severe mobility impairments.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 30 Apr. 2026
Wade had pleaded no contest in March to charges of reckless driving causing serious impairment and failure to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in serious impairment.
—Paula Wethington, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for impairment
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Zev Fima,kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 1 May 2026
In Colorado, more than than 26% of the 2025 motorcycle fatalities involved impairment, CDOT officials said.
—Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 1 May 2026
Early testers with paralysis have already demonstrated the device’s effectiveness by controlling digital interfaces and robotic limbs solely through thought, proving the technology’s potential to restore independence to those with severe mobility impairments.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 30 Apr. 2026
Wade had pleaded no contest in March to charges of reckless driving causing serious impairment and failure to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in serious impairment.
—Paula Wethington, CBS News, 30 Apr. 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 6 May. 2026.
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