physical impairment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "physical impairment" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a condition or limitation that affects a person's physical abilities. Here are some examples: - "John's physical impairment prevents him from participating in certain sports." - "The company provides accommodations for employees with physical impairments." - "The accident caused permanent physical impairment for the victim." - "Samantha has a physical impairment, but she never lets it hold her back from living her life to the fullest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Emotional function may be impaired in asthma patients as a consequence of physical impairment and, therefore, may also correlate with measures capturing physical impairment.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

"Everyone has his or her own obstacles that may not be a physical impairment.

The New York Times

Whatever state of physical impairment you claim, it is always believable.

The New York Times - Travel

He had no motor deficits or physical impairment — the damage was limited to his language center.

The New Yorker

He added that there is, after all, some small precedent for physical impairment in a king signalling strength, not weakness.

The New Yorker

This is to some extent natural, because of her age and because she has some obscure self-diagnosed physical impairment.

The New York Times - Books

Physical impairment and traumatic diseases that cause physical impairment have the most impact whereas "silent diseases" such as hypertension or diabetes have little impact.

Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics

When I was growing up, and because of my physical impairment after having polio as a child, opportunities were very limited.

The Guardian

S: Freestyle, butterfly and backstroke SM: Individual medley SB: Breaststroke 1 -10: Physical impairment where a lower number indicates a more severe activity limitation.

The Guardian - Sport

The overall winner was Enabled by Design, which helped people who needed more support to adapt to a new lfie after injury or physical impairment.

The Guardian

The classification rules of Wheelchair Basketball state that athletes with a physical impairment that affects at least one leg are eligible to compete.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "physical impairment", be specific about the nature and extent of the impairment to provide clarity and avoid generalizations.

Common error

Avoid assuming the degree to which a "physical impairment" affects an individual's abilities. Each person experiences their condition differently, and focusing on individual needs promotes inclusivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "physical impairment" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As Ludwig AI underlines, the phrase describes a state of reduced physical function. Ludwig examples display it acting to describe medical conditions, eligibility criteria, or challenges faced by individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "physical impairment" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe a condition limiting a person's physical abilities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted across various contexts. The analysis shows that it appears most frequently in scientific and news media, and academic writing, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, it's best practice to be specific about the nature of the impairment and avoid overgeneralizing its impact. While alternatives like "physical disability" or "functional limitation" exist, the choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis. Remember that maintaining person-first language is crucial for respectful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

physical disability

Focuses on the disabling aspect of a physical condition, implying a restriction in activities.

motor impairment

Specifically refers to impairments affecting movement and motor skills.

physical limitation

Emphasizes the constraints on physical activity due to a condition.

functional limitation

Highlights the limitation in performing everyday tasks and activities.

mobility impairment

Specifically relates to difficulties in moving around.

bodily impairment

A more general term for any damage or reduction in bodily function.

locomotor disability

Refers to disability affecting the ability to move from one place to another.

reduced physical function

Describes a decrease in the normal operation of the body's systems.

physical challenge

Framing the impairment as a challenge, often used in a more positive context.

debilitating condition

Highlights the weakening or enervating effect of a physical issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "physical impairment" to describe a condition affecting someone's physical abilities, such as "The athlete overcame his "physical impairment" to win the race".

What are some alternatives to "physical impairment"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "physical disability", "motor impairment", or "functional limitation".

Is it appropriate to use the term "physical impairment" in professional settings?

Yes, "physical impairment" is a generally accepted and neutral term in professional and academic contexts. However, always prioritize person-first language (e.g., "a person with a physical impairment" rather than "a physically impaired person").

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

"Physical impairment" refers to the physical condition itself, while "physical disability" describes the limitation the condition imposes on activities and participation. The terms are often used interchangeably, but disability emphasizes the functional impact.