IMPAIRMENT Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

impairment

noun

Definition of impairment

as in disability

a condition in which a part of your body or mind is damaged and does not work well Her mother had a hearing impairment that had become worse with age.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of impairment Another area shows an adapted living space where those with vision or mobility impairments alter the arrangement of appliances and furnishings to better suit their needs. — Caroline Eubanks, Southern Living, 30 Oct. 2026 This finding hints at potential applications in neurodevelopmental conditions that involve abnormal connectivity, such as schizophrenia, but also those involving memory impairment, such as dementia. — Simon Makin, Scientific American, 29 Oct. 2026 Petersen’s research established the concept of mild cognitive impairment, which lies between healthy cognitive aging and dementia. — Richard Sima, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026 Chronic exposure to lead has been tied to kidney dysfunction, high blood pressure, and cognitive impairment. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for impairment

Recent Examples of Synonyms for impairment

Noun

The space will serve as a platform for individuals with disabilities to showcase their talents, express their creativity and build confidence while bringing families, supporters and community members together, the release said.

— Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
Brain tissue that is deprived of oxygen can be permanently damaged, resulting in long-term disability or death.

— Diane Webber, NPR, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of disability

Noun

These can cause severe scarring or disablement and may lead to amputations.

— Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
Playing Arnie, the younger brother to Gilbert (Johnny Depp), DiCaprio doesn’t permit his character to be a simple, adorable variation on disablement.

— Tim Grierson, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025

Definition of disablement

Noun

Its original location on a spit of land between the Atlantic Ocean and the salt pond may have been a bit too ambitious—after suffering damage from the 1938 New England Hurricane, it was relocated across the pond, reopening in 1939.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026
Elsewhere, deadly attacks continued and Ukraine's central bank warned that damage to industrial targets could push the country into a recession.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of damage

Browse Nearby Words

impairing

impairment

impairments

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“Impairment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impairment. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of impairment

noun

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