impairment

noun

im·​pair·​ment im-ˈper-mənt How to pronounce impairment (audio)
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 impairmentsThe Springfield (Massachusetts) Union-News

Examples of impairment in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In 2016, Maco was involved in a car crash that left him with multiple skull fractures, a broken eye socket, cracked vertebrae, and heart palpitations, as well as visual impairment that doctors were eventually able to treat. Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 27 Dec. 2024 Bower said there were no signs of impairment for any of the involved drivers. Rey Covarrubias Jr., The Arizona Republic, 21 Dec. 2024 The driver did not show signs of impairment, police have said. Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024 The company reported a net loss of $26.7 million, compared to a net loss of $102,000 in the previous year, impacted by a goodwill impairment charge of $18.1 million in the Retail-Flooring segment. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for impairment 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of impairment was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near impairment

Cite this Entry

“Impairment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impairment. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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