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

Unlike alcohol, the mere presence of THC in one’s system doesn’t necessarily indicate impairment. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 8 Sep. 2026

Investigators are examining whether alcohol impairment was a contributing factor in the crash. — Stephanie Ballesteros, CBS News, 7 Sep. 2026

It was also found that NFL players who died with high-stage CTE had worse impairments in language and memory in life based on testing from independent mental health professionals. — Varun Mehta, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026

Accessibility for those with mobility impairments The hotel entrance is wheelchair friendly, lifts are too, and Da Gioia beach club can be reached by boat. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above