impairment

[im-pair-muhnt]

noun

1. the state of being diminished, weakened, or damaged, especially mentally or physically.

   cognitive impairment in older adults.

Word History and Origins

Origin of impairment¹

impair + -ment

Example Sentences

Private equity-backed accounting firms set up structures to separate audit and nonaudit practices to comply with rules prohibiting the impairment of auditors’ objectivity.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

That’s more than six times the level most states use to define impairment.

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The plan was to follow up with radiotherapy, but this risks significant cognitive impairment, Corinne said.

Read more on BBC

The DSM’s printed definition of autism included any child who displayed impairments in social interaction, communication “or” behavior.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

She is now a full-time carer for Juno, who has a speech impairment and intellectual disability as a result of the genetic illness.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• damage 
• deficiency 
• detriment 
• harm 
• hurt 
• injury 
• weakness