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
Here's a closer look at the eight winners, who represent a range of disabilities, including speech and hearing impairments, intellectual disabilities and low vision.
—Charu Bahri, NPR, 15 Mar. 2025
Garcia’s damages included physical pain, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, humiliation, inconvenience, grief, disfigurement, physical impairment, anxiety and emotional distress, according to a recording of the verdict from Courtroom View Network.
—Ramishah Maruf, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025
Dangers of hypertension include heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, vision impairment, and cognitive problems.
—Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 14 Mar. 2025
Both were designed to address specific needs (accessibility for people with disabilities or hearing impairments) but have since benefited everyone, from parents pushing strollers to viewers watching on mute.
—Farah Bala, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
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Charu Bahri, NPR, 15 Mar. 2025
Garcia’s damages included physical pain, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, humiliation, inconvenience, grief, disfigurement, physical impairment, anxiety and emotional distress, according to a recording of the verdict from Courtroom View Network.
—Ramishah Maruf, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025
Dangers of hypertension include heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, vision impairment, and cognitive problems.
—Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 14 Mar. 2025
Both were designed to address specific needs (accessibility for people with disabilities or hearing impairments) but have since benefited everyone, from parents pushing strollers to viewers watching on mute.
—Farah Bala, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for impairment
Cite this Entry
“Impairment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impairment. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
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