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

Investigators from the California Highway Patrol consistently pointed to speed and impairment as factors that led to the wreck. —Rachel Swan, San Francisco Chronicle, 17 Mar. 2026

Studies show that adults with anxiety and untreated ADHD suffer greater functional impairment and more frequent relapses, meaning their severe anxiety or depressive episodes keep returning despite therapy or medication. —Deldhy Nicolás Moya Sánchez, The Conversation, 16 Mar. 2026

One of her top tips for parents of children who have hearing impairments or noise sensitivities is to invest in energy-efficient appliances. —Tessa Cooper, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026

Several people were hospitalized after a car slammed into the rear of another vehicle in front of the Aura nightclub in Kansas City’s midtown, and police suspect impairment was a factor, a police spokeswoman said. —Robert A. Cronkleton march 14, Kansas City Star, 14 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above