impairment
n. countable B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌɪmˈpɛɹmənt// UK //ɪmpˈeəmənt// im·pair·ment
n. a condition that reduces your ability to do something, such as seeing, hearing, or thinking clearly.
n. a partial loss of function or capacity, typically referring to physical, mental, or sensory faculties.
His hearing impairment makes phone calls difficult.
The driver's visual impairment prevented him from reading the road signs in time.
The report highlighted how untreated hearing impairment in older adults often leads to social isolation and cognitive decline.
From Middle English empeirement, empeyrement, emparement, from Anglo-Norman empairement, emperement, enpeirement, from Old French ampirement, anpirement, enperement, equivalent to impair + -ment.