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Synonyms

cognitive impairment

American  
[kog-ni-tiv im-pair-muhnt] / ˈkɒg nɪ tɪv ɪmˈpɛər mənt /

noun

  1. a temporary or permanent loss of mental functions, causing forgetfulness, lack of concentration, learning difficulties, and other reductions in effective thinking.

Etymology

Origin of cognitive impairment

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Take immediate steps to safeguard your brother’s safety: He may need an assessment for dementia or cognitive impairment from a neurologist or geriatrician.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 27, 2026

The researchers also observed that people diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or dementia showed weaker vascular function compared to cognitively normal participants.

From Science Daily • Feb. 24, 2026

The researchers also evaluated cognitive impairment, a category that includes both cognitive decline and dementia.

From Science Daily • Feb. 9, 2026

She was eventually diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 7, 2026

She went on short-term disability and was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, which can lead to dementia.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 7, 2026

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.