Impairment
/ɪmˈpɛərmənt/
nounB2
Definition
Impairment is when something does not work as well as it should. It usually talks about a problem or damage that makes a part of the body, mind, or a system less effective or weaker than normal. For example, eyesight impairment means your eyes do not see clearly.
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See It in Action
Reduction or loss of normal function in body or mind
- •The patient has a hearing impairment that makes it hard to follow conversations.
- •Visual impairment can range from mild to complete blindness.
- •Cognitive impairment affects memory and thinking skills.
Damage or weakening of a system or process
- •The accident caused impairment to the car’s engine.
- •Alcohol consumption can cause impairment of judgment and coordination.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "impairment" like "problem," but more specific to making something less good or weaker, especially in health or ability.
- ✓Picture a car with a flat tire—it still moves but not as well as before. That "flat tire" is like impairment.
- ✓It's the feeling when you try to hear but the sound is unclear or when walking is harder than usual.
- ✓Sounds like "im-PAIR-ment" → imagine a "pair" of shoes where one shoe is broken, making walking difficult.
- ✓In stories, characters with impairment might face challenges but often find ways to adapt or overcome.
- ✓NOT like "injury" (which is sudden damage), impairment can be long-lasting or permanent.
- ✓NOT like "disability" (which is a broader term), impairment is often one part or ability reduced.
- ✓NOT like "illness" (which is disease), impairment is about loss of function or ability, not always caused by sickness.
Try Other Words
- •Damage: physical harm or injury (Use when focusing on physical harm, not always about ability loss)
- •Disability: a condition that limits normal activities (Use when the impairment causes long-term or permanent difficulty)
- •Weakness: lack of strength or ability (Use when the focus is on less power or skill, not always health-related)
- •Defect: a fault or imperfection (Use when talking about something made or natural that is not perfect)
Unboxing
- •Prefix "im-" means "not" or "into"
- •Root "pair" comes from Latin "parare" meaning "to prepare" or "make ready"; here it relates to "equal" or "complete"
- •Suffix "-ment" turns a verb or root into a noun showing an action or result
- •Origin: From Latin "impairare," meaning to make worse or less good
- •Developed in English to describe loss or reduction of ability, especially in health or function
Reflect & Connect
•How does impairment affect daily life for people, and what can help make life easier for them?
•Can impairment be temporary or permanent? How do we talk about each kind differently?
Fill in the blanks
1.Hearing impairment often causes difficulty ___ understanding speech in noisy places.
2.Visual impairment varies in ___; some people see a little, others not at all.
3.Unlike injury, impairment can be ___ and not always caused by an accident.
4.Alcohol can cause temporary impairment ___ judgment and motor skills.
5.People with impairment may use special tools or ___ to help with daily tasks.
6.Impairment means a ___ or reduction in normal ability or function.
7.Cognitive impairment affects memory and ___ abilities, making learning harder.