Impairment
/ɪmˈpeːrmənt/
Definitions
A state of being diminished, weakened, or damaged, especially a bodily function or ability.
/ɪmˈpeːrmənt/
The state or fact of being impaired, especially in a faculty or function.
Hearing impairment can affect a child's ability to learn in a classroom.
💡 Simply: Imagine you can't quite see or hear as well as you used to, or maybe your ability to walk is a little off. That's an impairment – something's not working as well as it should.
👶 For kids: When something is not working right, like if you can't see or hear as well as you used to. It's like when your toy breaks.
More Examples
The accident caused a permanent visual impairment.
The company faced an earnings impairment charge due to the economic downturn.
How It's Used
"The patient showed signs of cognitive impairment after the stroke."
"Driving under the influence of alcohol results in impaired driving."
"There was a significant impairment in network performance due to the overload."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
From Middle English *empeirment*, from Old French *empeirement* (modern French *empirement*), from *empeirier* (to worsen, impair), from Latin *impeiorare* (to make worse), from *im-* (in-) + *peior* (worse).
The term 'impairment' has been used in legal and medical contexts for centuries, particularly to describe conditions that limit function. In the 19th century, it became more commonplace with advancements in medical understanding.
Memory tip
Think of a 'pair' of something being 'impaired' – like a pair of glasses if your vision is impaired.
Word Origin
"to make worse"