Disability vs. Impairment — What's the Difference?

A disability is any medical condition that makes it more difficult for a person to do certain activities or effectively interact with the world around them (socially or materially). These conditions, or impairments, may be cognitive, developmental, intellectual, mental, physical, sensory, or a combination of multiple factors.

To cause to weaken, be damaged, or diminish, as in quality

A physical or mental condition that significantly limits a person's motor, sensory, or cognitive abilities.

The result of being impaired

The state of having such a condition

A deterioration or weakening

A program that provides financial support to people with such conditions

A disability or handicap

The economic assistance provided by such a program

An inefficient part or factor.

(Law) Lack of legal capacity to perform some act, such as to enter into a contract, because of infancy or lack of soundness of mind.

(accounting) A downward revaluation, a write-down.

State of being disabled; deprivation or want of ability; absence of competent physical, intellectual, or moral power, means, fitness, and the like.

The state, act, or process of being impaired; injury.

A mental condition causing a difficulty with an intellectual task.

The occurrence of a change for the worse

(disability theory) An inability imposed on a person by society's failure to accommodate their physical or mental differences from others, as opposed to impairment.

A symptom of reduced quality or strength

Want of legal qualification to do a thing; legal incapacity or incompetency.

The condition of being unable to perform as a consequence of physical or mental unfitness;

Regular payments received by a disabled person, usually from the state

Damage that results in a reduction of strength or quality

State of being disabled; deprivation or want of ability; absence of competent physical, intellectual, or moral power, means, fitness, and the like.

The act of making something futile and useless (as by routine)

Want of legal qualification to do a thing; legal incapacity or incompetency.

The condition of being unable to perform as a consequence of physical or mental unfitness;