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1. The occurrence of a change for the worse
   - damage, harm
    
2. A symptom of reduced quality or strength
   - deterioration
    
3. The condition of being unable to perform as a consequence of physical or mental unfitness
   "hearing impairment"
   - disability, disablement, handicap
    
4. Damage that results in a reduction of strength or quality
    
5. The act of making something futile and useless (as by routine)
   - stultification, constipation, deadening

Derived forms: impairments

See also: impair

Type of: alteration, change, damage, debasement, decay, degradation, harm, hurt, modification, scathe, softness, unfitness

Encyclopedia: Impairment