noun
Uncommon
impairment
ihm-PEH-uh-muhnt
Impairment (noun) means a weakening or reduction in how well something functions. Example: “The stroke left him with a speech impairment.”
noun
1
A weakening or reduction in how well something functions.
"The stroke left him with a speech impairment."
"Long hours of noise at work caused a gradual impairment of his hearing."
"Lack of sleep leads to impairment of memory and slower reactions."
2
A physical or mental disability.
"The building was redesigned to accommodate visitors with mobility impairments."
"Children with a visual impairment may receive extra support in the classroom."
"The form asks whether you have any impairment that affects daily life."
3
In accounting, a permanent reduction in the recorded value of an asset.
"The company reported a large impairment on its factory equipment."
"The firm recorded an impairment after its old warehouse lost much of its value."
"An impairment charge reduced the profit shown in the annual accounts."
How to use impairment
Learner’s notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- impairments
Fill the gap
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The stroke left him with a speech _____.
Etymology
From Old French empairement; from impair plus -ment.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “impairment” mean?
The word “impairment” means a weakening or reduction in how well something functions. In plain terms, a weakening of function — could be physical, mental, or (in finance) the value of an asset.
How do you pronounce “impairment”?
“Impairment” is pronounced ihm-PEH-uh-muhnt (/ɪmˈpɛɹmənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “impairment” in a sentence?
Here is “impairment” used in a sentence: “The stroke left him with a speech impairment.”
What part of speech is “impairment”?
“Impairment” is a noun.
Where does the word “impairment” come from?
The word “impairment” comes from Old French. From Old French empairement; from impair plus -ment.
Is “impairment” a common word?
“Impairment” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “impairment” have?
“Impairment” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a weakening or reduction in how well something functions.
What is the difference between impairment and disability?
Impairment refers to a weakening or reduction in how well a body function or system works, while disability often describes the broader impact that impairment has on a person's daily life or activities. A hearing impairment, for instance, is the underlying condition, while the resulting disability is how it affects communication or work.
What is an impairment in accounting?
In accounting, an impairment is a permanent reduction in the recorded value of an asset, usually recognised when the asset's market value or usefulness has dropped below its book value. Companies record an impairment charge to reflect this loss on their financial statements.
Is impairment always a medical term?
No. Impairment can refer to a physical or mental disability, but it is also used more generally for any weakening of function, and specifically in accounting for a drop in an asset's recorded value. The correct meaning depends on context.
