impaired
Americanadjective
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weakened, diminished, or damaged.
to rebuild an impaired bridge.
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functioning poorly or inadequately.
Consumption of alcohol results in an impaired driver.
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deficient or incompetent (usually preceded by an adverb or noun).
morally impaired; sports-impaired.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of impaired
Explanation
When something is impaired, it's diminished or damaged. Someone who can't see very well has impaired sight. When something is broken and isn't working at 100%, it's impaired. People with impaired hearing are deaf, and people who are physically impaired have to use crutches or wheelchairs. Everyone who wears glasses or contact lenses has impaired vision. If you break your ankle, your ability to walk is impaired. And if something caused you to make a bad decision, you could say your judgment was impaired.
Vocabulary lists containing impaired
Hatchet
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100 SAT Words Beginning with "I"
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Chapter 16: Toward Civil War
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Impaired immune function, developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, delayed physical development, poor muscle tone, structural issues with face, decreased lifespan, etc.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026
At Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, we believe the private sector’s role should focus on expanding specialized access for all.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026
Dementia is characterised by an impairment of cognitive functions such as: Impaired memory and concentration, impaired orientation, language disorders, personality and behavioural changes.
From Science Daily • Jan. 5, 2024
Impaired walking, for an individual with a cane, for example, can average about 1.3 miles per hour.
From Seattle Times • Oct. 22, 2023
Conditions of Impaired Mobility of Joints.—There are four conditions of impaired mobility in joints: rigidity, contracture, ankylosis, and locking.
From Manual of Surgery Volume First: General Surgery. Sixth Edition. by Thomson, Alexis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
