as in disabilities
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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Recent Examples of impairments
Eleanor This stunning pup from Double J Dog Ranch in Hauser, Idaho, is deaf and has visual impairments.
—
Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
During that period, sociologists viewed illness mostly as a deviation from normal functioning leading to impairments that require treatment.
—Jennifer Singh, The Conversation, 8 Jan. 2026
While the primary goal is empowering those with mobility impairments, the implications of a powerless eye-tracker are many.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Jan. 2026
BCIs offer not only relief from physical and neurological impairments, but new and even superior control of computers and cybernetic devices.
—New Atlas, 1 Jan. 2026
Survivors may face physical and cognitive impairments; while rehabilitation can help, many find life permanently altered.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025
Further impairments followed last season.
—Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
None of these study participants reported any cognitive difficulties or showed any impairments when tested.
—Robert Martone, Scientific American, 10 Oct. 2025
People in this group who experienced daytime impairments didn’t complain of any sleep difficulties, however.
—Lindsey Leake, NBC news, 8 Oct. 2025
Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
During that period, sociologists viewed illness mostly as a deviation from normal functioning leading to impairments that require treatment.
—Jennifer Singh, The Conversation, 8 Jan. 2026
While the primary goal is empowering those with mobility impairments, the implications of a powerless eye-tracker are many.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Jan. 2026
BCIs offer not only relief from physical and neurological impairments, but new and even superior control of computers and cybernetic devices.
—New Atlas, 1 Jan. 2026
Survivors may face physical and cognitive impairments; while rehabilitation can help, many find life permanently altered.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025
Further impairments followed last season.
—Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
None of these study participants reported any cognitive difficulties or showed any impairments when tested.
—Robert Martone, Scientific American, 10 Oct. 2025
People in this group who experienced daytime impairments didn’t complain of any sleep difficulties, however.
—Lindsey Leake, NBC news, 8 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impairments
Noun
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The system features low-floor vehicles designed for easy boarding, along with audio and visual stop announcements and designated priority seating for seniors and riders with disabilities.—
Christopher Harris,
CBS News,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Lottie sells dolls with autism, while Lego has released minifigures representing non-visible disabilities.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The changes then alter the distribution of species and damages ecosystems such as reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds and kelp forests.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
15 Jan. 2026
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The situation might end up costing taxpayers as motorists file claims for damages with the city.—
Alex Wigglesworth,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Liability coverage pays for injuries or property damage you, the driver, cause to others during an accident.—
Ethan M. Stone,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
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The agent, who suffered injuries to his arm and hand, fired his Taser at the man during the encounter, records show.—
Allison Gordon,
CNN Money,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Impairments.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impairments. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
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