Words / C1

im-PAIRM-uh-nt/ɪmˈpeəmənt/

Impairment is damage or weakening of a function, especially of the body or of an asset: hearing impairment, impairment of a sample. Impair (already in the dictionary) is the verb; improvement sits opposite. A “quiet hall” vibe is not a reasonable-adjustments file.

Meaning

A weakening or damage of a function; also a loss of value.

Examples

• “Impairment of the night bus is a catchment exclusion, not a caption.”
• “Hearing impairment is a reasonable-adjustments file, not a “quiet hall” vibe.”
• “Damage is everyday and wider. Deterioration is the process twin. A vibe is a mood. An adjustment on a form is a duty. Record the need; then hush the foyer if it still helps.”

Good to know

Damage to a function. Verb: impair (already in the dictionary). A vibe ≠ an adjustments file.

Near in meaning

damage, deterioration

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