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
The only exception under the law is for a service primate for a permanently disabled person with a a severe mobility impairment, if the person submits written documentation or certification to the DEEP commissioner.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 7 Apr. 2026
Accessibility Four rooms and two bungalows are fully accessible for guests with mobility impairment.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2026
State police said Landry showed signs of impairment, and a breath sample indicated a blood alcohol content above the legal limit.
—Alexandra Faul, ABC News, 4 Apr. 2026
The driver, identified as a 57-year-old man from Jeanerette, showed signs of impairment, the state police said in a statement.
—Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for impairment
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Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 7 Apr. 2026
Accessibility Four rooms and two bungalows are fully accessible for guests with mobility impairment.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2026
State police said Landry showed signs of impairment, and a breath sample indicated a blood alcohol content above the legal limit.
—Alexandra Faul, ABC News, 4 Apr. 2026
The driver, identified as a 57-year-old man from Jeanerette, showed signs of impairment, the state police said in a statement.
—Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for impairment
Cite this Entry
“Impairment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impairment. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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