Impairment Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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impairment
[ษชmหper.mษnt ]
Definitions
physical
The condition of being damaged or weakened in a specific way.
Synonyms
deficiency, disability, impediment.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| impairment |
Commonly used to describe a loss or abnormality of mental, physical, or sensory function.
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| disability |
Used in a broader sense to indicate a physical or mental condition that limits a personโs movements, senses, or activities.
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| deficiency |
Typically refers to a lack or shortage of something, particularly essential nutrients or elements.
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| impediment |
Generally refers to something that obstructs or hinders progress or movement, can also be used for specific speech-related issues.
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Examples of usage
- His impairment was a result of the accident.
- She has a visual impairment that requires glasses.
legal
The act of making something weaker or worse.
Synonyms
degradation, deterioration, weakening.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| impairment |
Typically used in medical or technical contexts to describe a reduction in ability or function.
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| deterioration |
Utilized to talk about the gradual decline in quality, condition, or function, often related to physical health, buildings, or other tangible items.
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| weakening |
Commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts to talk about something becoming less strong or less effective.
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| degradation |
Often used to describe the process of something becoming worse in quality, especially in terms of environment, technology, or moral values.
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Examples of usage
- The impairment of his driving ability led to the accident.
- The impairment of the contract resulted in a legal dispute.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Medicine
- Impairment can refer to physical disabilities, like difficulty in walking, or cognitive issues, such as memory problems.
- Common causes of impairment might include injury, age-related decline, or diseases like Alzheimerโs.
Psychology
- Cognitive impairments can affect learning and processing information, leading to challenges in everyday functioning.
- Mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, can also result in temporary impairments in cognitive abilities.
Legal Context
- In legal terms, impairment may be used in discussions of personal injury or disability rights.
- Organizations often use the concept of impairment to define eligibility for services or support.
Pop Culture
- Media often depict characters overcoming impairments, such as in films about disability or mental health challenges, highlighting courage and resilience.
- Popular music sometimes addresses themes of emotional or mental impairment, reflecting societal issues.
Origin of 'impairment'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'impairare,' meaning 'to make worse.'
- It made its way into Middle English, borrowing from Old French, where 'empeirer' also means 'to make worse or impair.'
The word 'impairment' originated from the Old French word 'empairer', which means 'to make worse'. It has been used in the English language since the 15th century. The concept of impairment has been studied in various fields such as medicine, law, and psychology to understand the impact of damage or weakening on individuals.
See also: impaired, impairments.