an impairment in the functioning of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an impairment in the functioning of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to health, psychology, or any field discussing the effectiveness or capability of a system or individual. Example: "The patient was diagnosed with an impairment in the functioning of their cognitive abilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

An impairment in the function of immune cells has been widely described in MM patients [ 48].

BioMed Research International

Their experiments revealed that the mutations lead to impairment in the function of an enzyme called DDX21.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The key point of diagnosis is to rule out alternative explanations and to determine that an impairment in functioning exists".

Huffington Post

… Those can cause seizures and cause impairment in terms of function for the brain.

The Washington Post

Those can cause seizures and cause impairment in terms of function for the brain".

Independent

This resulted in a severe motility defect, revealing an impairment of ciliary function as a likely explanation for the aetiology of this disease model (Fig. 2).

Nature

What is a significant impairment in functioning?

BMC Public Health

Impairment in cardiac function is one of the most recognized organ dysfunctions in sepsis.

Critical Care

Impairment in neuropsychological functioning is a well-recognized consequence of substance abuse.

Substance Use Disorders Assessment and Treatment

Malignant brain tumors cause significant impairments in function because of the nature of the disease.

PM&R

Is impairment in personality functioning present or not? 2. If so, rate the level of impairment in self and interpersonal functioning on the "Levels of Personality Functioning Scale".

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing medical or psychological conditions, use "an impairment in the functioning of" to precisely indicate a specific functional deficit. For example, "an impairment in the functioning of memory" is clearer than simply stating "memory problems".

Common error

Be specific about the type of functioning affected. Saying there's "an impairment" is less informative than specifying "an impairment in the functioning of the prefrontal cortex" or "an impairment in the functioning of social skills".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an impairment in the functioning of" serves as a noun phrase that identifies and describes a specific reduction or defect in how something operates. As Ludwig AI states, it is usable and correct. Examples from Ludwig highlight usage in describing medical and cognitive conditions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an impairment in the functioning of" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a reduction or defect in how something operates. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. Its primary use is in formal and scientific contexts, where precision is paramount. While alternatives exist, such as "dysfunction in operation" or "reduced functional capacity", this phrase is favored for its clarity in technical descriptions. It is commonly found in scientific and academic literature. Remember to be specific about the type of functioning affected to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disruption in the operation of

Emphasizes an interruption or disturbance in how something operates.

dysfunction in operation

Replaces "impairment" with "dysfunction" and "functioning" with "operation", emphasizing a breakdown in normal activity.

weakened ability to function

Simplifies the original phrase by focusing on the weakening of functional ability.

reduced functional capacity

Replaces "impairment in the functioning of" with a more concise phrase indicating diminished ability.

decline in functional effectiveness

Highlights a reduction in how effectively something operates.

diminished capacity for function

Indicates that the potential for function has been lessened.

compromised operational ability

Uses "compromised" to indicate a weakened state of ability to operate.

deterioration of operational capability

Suggests a worsening condition in the ability to operate.

defective functional performance

Emphasizes that the functional output is flawed or inadequate.

hindrance in operational processes

Focuses on the obstruction or slowing down of operational activities.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "an impairment in the functioning of" to sound less formal?

For less formal contexts, consider using phrases like "a problem with how something works", "difficulty functioning", or "reduced ability". The best choice depends on the specific context, but aim for clearer, simpler language.

What's the difference between "an impairment in the functioning of" and a "dysfunction"?

While similar, "dysfunction" typically implies a more significant or complete disruption of function. "An impairment in the functioning of" suggests a reduction or weakening, but not necessarily a total loss, of functional capability.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "an impairment in the functioning of"?

This phrase is appropriate in formal or technical contexts, such as medical reports, scientific papers, or legal documents, where precise and unambiguous language is crucial. It is useful when describing specific functional deficits in a detailed manner.

Are there alternatives to "functioning of" that I can use with "an impairment in"?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "performance of", "operation of", or "capacity of". For example, "an impairment in the operation of the immune system".