1. A physical, mental, or developmental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities
   "hearing impairment";
   - disability, disablement, handicap [archaic]
    
2. Damage that results in a reduction of strength or quality
   "The impairment of his vision made driving difficult"
    
3. A symptom of reduced quality or strength
   "His hearing impairment made conversations difficult";
   - deterioration
    
4. The occurrence of a change for the worse
   "The accident resulted in permanent impairment of his vision";
   - damage, harm
    
5. The act of making something futile and useless (as by routine)
   "The impairment of creativity in the workplace led to a decline in innovation";
   - stultification, constipation, deadening

Derived forms: impairments

Type of: alteration, change, damage, debasement, decay, degradation, harm, hurt, modification, scathe [archaic], softness, unfitness

Encyclopedia: Impairment