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

This progressive loss of brain cells leads to severe symptoms including memory decline, cognitive impairment, and difficulty with movement.

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Profound autism cases have ticked upward, but the much bigger rise has been in the children with fewer impairments.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“If the carrying amount exceeds the undiscounted net cash flows…an impairment loss is recognized in an amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the assets.”

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Educational support for youngsters with visual impairments, which are largely under-diagnosed among children under age 5, requires highly individualized learning plans to avoid potential development delays.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Kelly Pardy was born with juvenile macular degeneration - a visual impairment that affects her central vision.

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Related Words

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