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

The investigation also found no evidence that the parents exhibited any obvious signs of impairment, according to the attorney's office. — ABC News, 30 July 2026

During the quarter, the media company took a $147 million charge for an impairment of its investment in A+E Global Media. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 30 July 2026

Problematic internet use is when people use apps excessively, causing distress or impairment. — Kara Alaimo, CNN Money, 29 July 2026

Excess maternal sugar could also lead to insulin resistance and placental impairment, which can impact nutrient delivery and influence fetal brain development, says Sullivan. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 29 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above