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
Technically known as myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), the condition is marked by debilitating fatigue that doesn't go away with rest; cognitive impairment such as brain fog and difficulty focusing; sleep disturbances; and pain.
—New Atlas, 25 July 2025
Police have said the driver was cooperative and showed no signs of impairment.
—Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 24 July 2025
On the heels of former President Joe Biden dropping out of his 2024 reelection bid after public displays of cognitive impairment, some Democrats said Evers' age could be used against him in a race.
—Molly Beck, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
The disorder is defined by excess fluid in the brain and can cause vomiting, vision problems, difficulty walking and memory loss or other cognitive impairment.
—Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for impairment
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New Atlas, 25 July 2025
Police have said the driver was cooperative and showed no signs of impairment.
—Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 24 July 2025
On the heels of former President Joe Biden dropping out of his 2024 reelection bid after public displays of cognitive impairment, some Democrats said Evers' age could be used against him in a race.
—Molly Beck, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
The disorder is defined by excess fluid in the brain and can cause vomiting, vision problems, difficulty walking and memory loss or other cognitive impairment.
—Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 21 July 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 30 Jul. 2025.
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