What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
impairment
Example
The athlete's knee injury resulted in an impairment of his running ability. [impairment: noun]
Example
The company's financial struggles led to an impairment of their credit rating. [impairment: noun]
deterioration
Example
The building's deterioration was evident in the peeling paint and cracked walls. [deterioration: noun]
Example
The patient's condition showed signs of deterioration despite treatment. [deterioration: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Deterioration is more commonly used than impairment in everyday language. Deterioration is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while impairment is more specific and often used in medical or legal contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between impairment and deterioration?
Impairment is often associated with a formal or technical tone, while deterioration can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
