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
Corby KummerTrichloroethylene has been classified by EPA as a probable human carcinogen, although its primary effect is impairment of the central nervous system.—Chemical & Engineering News
Chemical & Engineering NewsPersons 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
Maryland MagazineStudies show that roughly 11 percent of all kindergarteners have speech or language impairments …—The Springfield (Massachusetts) Union-News
The Springfield (Massachusetts) Union-NewsExamples of impairment in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As many turn their eyes to the skies to watch the solar eclipse, some with vision impairment are turning their ears to a new gadget.
—Michael Dobuski, ABC News, 8 Apr. 2024
Staring directly at the sun during an eclipse will cause irreversible damage to the eyes, potentially leading to conditions such as solar retinopathy and permanent vision impairment.
—The Arizona Republic, 8 Apr. 2024
For the full year 2023, net loss was ($70.6) million, which includes the one-time write off for impairment of goodwill of $60.9million, compared to a net loss of ($26.9) million, which includes the one-time write off for restructuring costs of $4.1 million, in the prior year.
—Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2024
The condition is characterized by unexplained symptoms that include migraines, fatigue, vertigo, anxiety, dizziness, memory lapses and cognitive impairment.
—Nik Popli, TIME, 1 Apr. 2024
The play area will addresses the needs of all ages and abilities, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, sensory challenges, visual and auditory impairments, cognitive, developmental and physical disabilities, as well as medically fragile people.
—Stephanie Lam, The Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2024
The pharmacy retailer also recorded a $5.8 billion impairment charge on its investment in clinic operator VillageMD last week.
—Vinamrata Chaturvedi, Quartz, 1 Apr. 2024
Signs and symptoms of brain toxicity may include cognitive impairment, weak limbs, slowed reaction time, and slurred speech.
—Amanda MacMillan, Health, 26 Mar. 2024
The teaching assistant leading the class quickly realized that neither Smitherman nor most of the other students had speech impairments the test screened for, such as stuttering.
—Lily Altavena, Detroit Free Press, 25 Mar. 2024
Michael Dobuski, ABC News, 8 Apr. 2024
Staring directly at the sun during an eclipse will cause irreversible damage to the eyes, potentially leading to conditions such as solar retinopathy and permanent vision impairment.
—The Arizona Republic, 8 Apr. 2024
For the full year 2023, net loss was ($70.6) million, which includes the one-time write off for impairment of goodwill of $60.9million, compared to a net loss of ($26.9) million, which includes the one-time write off for restructuring costs of $4.1 million, in the prior year.
—Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2024
The condition is characterized by unexplained symptoms that include migraines, fatigue, vertigo, anxiety, dizziness, memory lapses and cognitive impairment.
—Nik Popli, TIME, 1 Apr. 2024
The play area will addresses the needs of all ages and abilities, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, sensory challenges, visual and auditory impairments, cognitive, developmental and physical disabilities, as well as medically fragile people.
—Stephanie Lam, The Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2024
The pharmacy retailer also recorded a $5.8 billion impairment charge on its investment in clinic operator VillageMD last week.
—Vinamrata Chaturvedi, Quartz, 1 Apr. 2024
Signs and symptoms of brain toxicity may include cognitive impairment, weak limbs, slowed reaction time, and slurred speech.
—Amanda MacMillan, Health, 26 Mar. 2024
The teaching assistant leading the class quickly realized that neither Smitherman nor most of the other students had speech impairments the test screened for, such as stuttering.
—Lily Altavena, Detroit Free Press, 25 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'impairment.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near impairment
Cite this Entry
“Impairment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impairment. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.
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