impairment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impairment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a reduction in function or ability, often in a medical or psychological context. Example: "The doctor diagnosed her with a hearing impairment that required the use of hearing aids."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Since publication, the Royal Court of Saudi Arabia has asserted to the Guardian that King Salman is "Most certainly not suffering from dementia or any other kind of mental impairment".

The Guardian

The criteria, he says, for judging whether a child needs professional support are whether the hallucinations are "frequent, complex, distressing and cause impairment".

The Guardian

My hearing impairment may be mild, but technically I am still disadvantaged".

The Guardian

The impact on mental health, rape and incest, foetal impairment, social and economic reasons, or the woman's personal choice are still not considered valid reasons.

The Guardian

But the legalising of abortion in case of rape and incest and foetal impairment seems at least to be likely as the most conservative parties have voiced their approval.

The Guardian

Her impairment means that she finds tasks such as hearing everyone in a meeting clearly, understanding deep male voices and making and receiving calls using a corded phone, difficult.

The Guardian

In addition, the side effects of long-term usage range from problems in bone density and hair growth to cognitive impairment.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Experts in intellectual impairment say that is virtually impossible to do.

The Guardian

And home carers might only be given 15 minutes to help someone – but if the patient has cognitive impairment, that's just not enough.

The Guardian

In Mexico cataracts are the second largest cause of impairment and the prevalence is rising, yet the poor are ill-served and private and even charitable solutions are out of reach for 65% of the population.

The Guardian

Most centres are able to offer assistance to those who are hard of hearing or who have a visual impairment, people for whom English is not their first language, and those who need help with filling in forms.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use respectful and person-first language. Say "person with a visual impairment" rather than "visually impaired person" to emphasize the individual.

Common error

Avoid using "impairment" as a verb. "Impairment" is a noun that refers to the state of being impaired, while "impair" is the verb meaning to weaken or damage something. For example, say "alcohol can impair judgment", not "alcohol can impairment judgment".

Linguistic Context

The noun "impairment" functions as a descriptor of a state of reduced functionality or value. It is commonly used to indicate a deterioration in physical, cognitive, or financial condition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "impairment" is a grammatically sound noun widely used to denote a state of diminished function or value. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its frequent appearance across diverse domains, particularly in news, business, and science. When using "impairment", ensure clarity by specifying the type of impairment and use it in contexts where you are looking to objectively state the existence of a reduced capability or asset value. Remember to use person-first language when discussing health conditions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deterioration

Focuses on the process of decline rather than the state of being impaired.

weakening

Emphasizes a reduction in strength or effectiveness.

disability

Highlights a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities.

handicap

Similar to disability, but can also refer to a disadvantage in a specific situation.

damage

Suggests physical harm or destruction, often implying a more acute event.

dysfunction

Highlights the abnormal or impaired function of a body part or system.

deficiency

Emphasizes a lack or shortage of something necessary.

debilitation

Implies a weakening or enfeeblement, often due to illness.

blemish

Refers to a flaw or imperfection that detracts from appearance or quality.

erosion

Highlights the gradual wearing away or decline of something.

FAQs

How can I use "impairment" in a sentence?

"Impairment" typically functions as a noun. You can use it to describe a state of reduced function, as in, "The accident resulted in a permanent physical impairment." It can also describe a reduction in value, such as "The company recorded an impairment of assets."

What are some alternatives to the word "impairment"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "deterioration", "weakening", "disability", or "damage". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "impairment" and "disability"?

"Impairment" refers to a loss or abnormality of body structure or function. "Disability" is a broader term that describes the limitation in activity resulting from the impairment. An impairment can lead to a disability, but not always.

Is it appropriate to use "impairment" in a formal context?

Yes, "impairment" is appropriate for formal contexts, especially in medical, legal, and financial settings. It is a precise and neutral term to describe a reduced state or value. However, be mindful of the specific context and consider person-first language when discussing health conditions.