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
Produced for less than $300, the CESS uses braces, gloves, a collar, goggles, a weighted vest, and shoes with thick foam inserts to simulate the elderly’s experiences of blurry vision, stiff joints, poor balance, and fine-motor impairment.
—Rachel Pearson, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
Preliminary investigation suggests impairment was not involved.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Sep. 2025
Based on these findings, chronic insomnia could be a potentially modifiable risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia, according to Carvalho.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2025
In a recent randomized control trial of older adults with mild cognitive impairment, researchers found that crossword puzzles were superior to digital games in improving memory and cognitive functioning over 78 weeks.
—Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for impairment
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.
Rachel Pearson, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
Preliminary investigation suggests impairment was not involved.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Sep. 2025
Based on these findings, chronic insomnia could be a potentially modifiable risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia, according to Carvalho.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2025
In a recent randomized control trial of older adults with mild cognitive impairment, researchers found that crossword puzzles were superior to digital games in improving memory and cognitive functioning over 78 weeks.
—Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 17 Sep. 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 23 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share