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
During the investigation, troopers allegedly noticed that Lebel, 32, was showing signs of impairment, per the Alaska State Troopers' news release.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 20 June 2026
Research published in Youth Studies Quarterly in 2025 found that when parents steer a child's path, rather than building that path with them, the result for the child is burnout, anxiety, and a lasting impairment of the ability to make independent decisions later in life.
—Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
New research links glucosamine use to faster cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer's disease and those with mild cognitive impairment.
—Cathy Nelson, Health, 18 June 2026
Again, cardiovascular disease was the top culprit, but ALAN also triggers inflammation and is associated with higher rates of cancer, Parkinson’s, and cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer’s.
—Literary Hub, 17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for impairment
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Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 20 June 2026
Research published in Youth Studies Quarterly in 2025 found that when parents steer a child's path, rather than building that path with them, the result for the child is burnout, anxiety, and a lasting impairment of the ability to make independent decisions later in life.
—Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
New research links glucosamine use to faster cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer's disease and those with mild cognitive impairment.
—Cathy Nelson, Health, 18 June 2026
Again, cardiovascular disease was the top culprit, but ALAN also triggers inflammation and is associated with higher rates of cancer, Parkinson’s, and cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer’s.
—Literary Hub, 17 June 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 24 Jun. 2026.
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