impairment
im-PAIR-munt
/ɪmˈpɛərmənt/
The state of being weakened, damaged, or diminished, especially in function or ability.
In the context of substance abuse, impairment refers to the negative effects of a substance on cognitive function, motor skills, judgment, or overall physical and mental capacity.
The story behind the word. The word 'impairment' comes from the Old French empeirier, meaning 'to make worse.' This, in turn, is from Vulgar Latin impejorare, a combination of Latin in- (here acting as an intensifier) and pejorare 'to make worse,' from pejor 'worse.' So, 'impairment' literally means the state of being 'made worse' or diminished in some capacity, perfectly describing the negative impact of substances on function.
Word relationships
- disability: A physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities.
- deterioration: The process of becoming progressively worse.
- enhancement: An improvement or addition to something.
- restoration: The action of returning something to a former condition.
Commonly confused with
- damage: 'Damage' refers to physical harm or injury; 'impairment' refers to the resulting reduction in function or ability, which may or may not be due to physical damage.
Word family
- impair (verb): To weaken or damage something (especially a faculty or function).
- impaired (adjective): Having a disability of a specified kind.
Collocations
- cognitive impairment
- visual impairment
- hearing impairment
- physical impairment
- impairment of judgment
- driving impairment
Example sentences
- "Driving under the influence of alcohol leads to significant impairment of judgment and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents." Discussing the dangers of drunk driving.
- "The patient's cognitive impairment was a direct result of the head injury they sustained." In a medical diagnosis.
Memory hook
IMPAIRMENT means your abilities are 'IM-paired' or 'IM-peded'. IM-PEDED
When not to use
Avoid using 'impairment' for minor, temporary inconveniences. It implies a significant and often measurable reduction in ability or function.
Fun facts
- Legal definitions of 'impaired driving' vary by jurisdiction but typically involve a blood alcohol content (BAC) limit or evidence of reduced driving ability.
- Impairment can be temporary (acute intoxication) or long-lasting (chronic effects of substance abuse).
Explore more words
incapacitate, impoverished, infirmity, deteriorate, degradation, fatigue
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