What does 'impairment' mean in accounting?

Impairment in accounting refers to a permanent reduction in the value of an asset. This occurs when the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount, meaning that the asset cannot generate enough expected cash flows to justify its book value. When impairment is recognized, it reflects an adjustment to ensure that the asset is reported on the balance sheet at its fair value, which is crucial for accurate financial reporting.

Recognizing impairment is important for providing a true and fair view of a company's financial position. It ensures that assets are not overstated, thus preventing misleading financial statements that could affect users' decisions regarding the company.

The other options suggest temporary changes, regulatory adjustments, or methods to increase value, which are not aligned with the concept of impairment in accounting. Impairment is characterized by being a permanent loss, ensuring that businesses reflect their true financial health in their reports.