plural impairments
Synonyms of impairment
: 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.
The department reminded drivers that alcohol was not the only substance that could cause impairment. Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026 Long-term use is linked to blood vessel and cardiovascular impairment. Susanne Rust follow, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 Police said alcohol or drug impairment was not a factor in the collision. City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 Police said Guzman showed numerous signs of impairment and refused to perform sobriety tests. Frederick Sutton Sinclair, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Impairment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impairment. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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