decay vs impairment

impairment vs decay

decay and impairment both are nouns.

decay is a verb but impairment is not a verb.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
decay	Yes	No	Yes	No
impairment	Yes	No	No	No

As nouns, impairment is a hyponym of decay; that is, impairment is a word with a more specific, narrower meaning than decay:

decay: an inferior state resulting from the process of decaying
impairment: a symptom of reduced quality or strength

Other hyponyms of decay include putrefaction, rot, decomposition, disintegration, deterioration, rancidity.

decay (noun)	impairment (noun)
the organic phenomenon of rotting	damage that results in a reduction of strength or quality
a gradual decrease; as of stored charge or current	the act of making something futile and useless (as by routine)
the process of gradually becoming inferior	the occurrence of a change for the worse
the spontaneous disintegration of a radioactive substance along with the emission of ionizing radiation	the condition of being unable to perform as a consequence of physical or mental unfitness
an inferior state resulting from the process of decaying	a symptom of reduced quality or strength

decay (verb)	impairment (verb)
fall into decay or ruin
lose a stored charge, magnetic flux, or current
undergo decay or decomposition

Difference between decay and impairment

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