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
Police said that the driver remained at the scene to cooperate with their investigation and that speed, distracted driving and impairment do not appear to have been factors.
—Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 29 Dec. 2025
Alcohol impairment was suspected to be a factor in the crash, Buck said.
—Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 28 Dec. 2025
Improved Cognitive Function A study published in 2017 suggests that taking ashwagandha may help protect or improve aspects of cognitive function in adults with mild impairment.
—Mellanie Perez, Health, 27 Dec. 2025
An additional five misdemeanor counts of moving violation causing serious impairment of body function were dropped.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for impairment
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Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 29 Dec. 2025
Alcohol impairment was suspected to be a factor in the crash, Buck said.
—Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 28 Dec. 2025
Improved Cognitive Function A study published in 2017 suggests that taking ashwagandha may help protect or improve aspects of cognitive function in adults with mild impairment.
—Mellanie Perez, Health, 27 Dec. 2025
An additional five misdemeanor counts of moving violation causing serious impairment of body function were dropped.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for impairment
Cite this Entry
“Impairment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impairment. Accessed 30 Dec. 2025.
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