mental impairment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mental impairment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a mental deficiency, such as a cognitive impairment, or to refer to a condition that affects a person's mental functioning. For example: "The patient's mental impairment made it difficult for them to remember basic information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The three main symptoms of NPH are progressive mental impairment and dementia, problems with walking and impaired bladder control.

Huffington Post

You have a physical or mental impairment.

The Guardian - Money

Their problems are not the result of drug or alcohol abuse, or mental impairment.

The New York Times

But now, new research shows, many patients on dialysis have severe mental impairment.

The New York Times - Health

Rather, disease, which often comes with aging, seems to cause mental impairment.

The New York Times

Iodine deficiency is one of the main causes of mental impairment in children.

The Guardian

A social worker and a nurse found no signs of injury or mental impairment.

The New Yorker

Instead of helping them to overcome their mental impairment, society is punishing them for a condition they cannot help having.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It is within the realm of possibility, though unlikely, that Walton's mental impairment is not permanent," Mr. Kaine said.

The New York Times

Judgments about mental impairment are necessarily based on subjective interpretations of behavior.

The New York Times

Mental impairment starts when the blood concentration is about 0.05 percent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mental impairment", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific cognitive or behavioral functions affected to avoid ambiguity. Providing specific examples can enhance understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "mental impairment" as a broad, undefined term. Instead, specify the nature of the impairment, such as memory loss, impaired reasoning, or difficulty with problem-solving. This provides a more accurate and respectful description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mental impairment" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a state of reduced cognitive or intellectual ability. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is frequently used to refer to conditions affecting mental function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mental impairment" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe a state of reduced cognitive or intellectual ability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal documents. When writing, it's crucial to specify the type of impairment and avoid overgeneralization for clarity. While neutral in tone, alternatives might be preferred to avoid stigma. Be aware that it can be due to illnesses, accidents or genetic diseases. The phrase is widely documented in authoritative sources such as The New York Times, The Guardian and Unicef.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cognitive deficit

Focuses specifically on cognitive functions that are lacking or deficient, indicating a more clinical or diagnostic perspective.

cognitive impairment

Similar to "mental impairment" but emphasizes cognitive processes such as memory and reasoning.

intellectual disability

Refers to a significant limitation in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, usually originating before age 18.

diminished mental capacity

Indicates a reduction in one's ability to think, reason, or remember effectively.

impaired cognitive function

Highlights that cognitive processes are not working correctly or efficiently.

mental deficiency

Implies a lack or shortage in mental abilities.

neurological dysfunction

Suggests that the nervous system is not functioning properly, leading to cognitive or behavioral problems.

learning disability

Affects specific academic skills such as reading, writing, or math, but not necessarily general intelligence.

cognitive decline

Refers to a gradual deterioration of cognitive abilities, often associated with aging or neurodegenerative diseases.

altered mental status

Describes a state of confusion, disorientation, or reduced awareness.

FAQs

How does "mental impairment" differ from "mental illness"?

"Mental impairment" refers to a reduction in cognitive or intellectual function, while "mental illness" describes a broader range of conditions affecting mood, thinking, and behavior. Though they can co-occur, they are not interchangeable. "Mental illness" might cause temporary or permanent mental impairment.

What are some potential causes of "mental impairment"?

Causes can range from genetic conditions and prenatal factors to acquired brain injuries, neurodegenerative diseases, and severe infections. Iodine deficiency can also be a factor, as demonstrated in examples from Ludwig.

How can I use "mental impairment" in a sentence?

You can use "mental impairment" to describe a state or condition. For example: "The accident caused significant "mental impairment"." or "Iodine deficiency is a leading cause of preventable "mental impairment" in children."

What are some less stigmatizing alternatives to "mental impairment"?

Consider using terms like "cognitive challenges", "intellectual differences", or specifying the affected area, such as "memory difficulties" or "impaired executive function". When possible, always use person-first language.