impair
verb (used with object)
to make or cause to become worse; diminish in ability, value, excellence, etc.; weaken or damage.
impairing
-
present participleof impair.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
The Cheshire native suffered a stroke in 2013, impairing his ability to walk.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2026
As hard as it might be to imagine, so-called “panic scams” can work by triggering stress responses that shift victims into fight-or-flight, impairing rational thought, according to cybersecurity experts.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 9, 2026
In implementing the law, the government further defined "harm" to include "significant habitat modification or degradation where it actually kills or injures wildlife by significantly impairing essential behavioral patterns, including breeding, feeding or sheltering."
From Barron's ● Jul. 10, 2026
“In particular, how effective drones are in impairing production and transportation of crude via the Strait of Hormuz.”
From MarketWatch ● Feb. 28, 2026
This is because the act of describing a face has the effect of impairing your otherwise effortless ability to subsequently recognize that face.
From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell
