impair

Impair means to weaken, damage, or diminish the quality, usefulness, or value of something. Impairment is the resulting state or act of being impaired and is used in everyday language as well as in medicine, law, and finance.

In general usage, something can be described as impaired when its function or performance is reduced. Impairment can be temporary or permanent, partial or complete, and may affect people, systems, or objects such as eyesight, memory, or judgment.

In medicine and disability studies, impairment refers to a loss or abnormality of a body structure or physiological function. Disability describes the impact that impairment has on a person’s ability to perform activities in a usual environment. The two terms are related but not interchangeable, and definitions vary across legal and policy contexts.

In accounting and law, impairment has specialized meanings. In finance, impairment occurs when the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount, necessitating an impairment loss. Impairment testing is required under accounting frameworks such as IFRS and US GAAP and examples include impairment of goodwill, intangibles, and tangible assets. In legal contexts, impairment can relate to the diminished capacity or functioning of a person or entity and can influence regulatory or compliance outcomes.

In everyday regulation, impairment is often discussed in relation to activities such as driving, where alcohol or drug use can impair judgment and coordination, leading to legal penalties. The term emphasizes reduced functioning rather than a complete absence of ability.