impairment in WordNet English dictionary

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