noun

impairment

ihm-PEH-uh-muhnt

noun

A weakening or reduction in how well something functions.

"The stroke left him with a speech impairment."

A physical or mental disability.

"The building was redesigned to accommodate visitors with mobility impairments."

In accounting, a permanent reduction in the recorded value of an asset.

"The company reported a large impairment on its factory equipment."

How to Use Impairment

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA weakening of function — could be physical, mental, or (in finance) the value of an asset.

Common pairings

hearing impairment visual impairment impairment charge

impairments plural

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The stroke left him with a speech _____.

From Old French empairement; from impair plus -ment.