impeded

American

[im-pee-did] / ɪmˈpi dɪd /

adjective

slowed down or obstructed by obstacles; hindered.

By joining the already impeded traffic flow, drivers unfortunately create even longer delays.

verb

the simple past tense and past participle of impede.

Other Word Forms

unimpeded adjective

Etymology

Origin of impeded

impede ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

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.

Fontana said she had extra motivation after feeling she was impeded in the 1000m final.

From BBC • Feb. 18, 2026

Government programs have provided a cushion to displaced workers, but they have also impeded the transitions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 5, 2026

The Homeland Security department said in a statement last year that Retes impeded its operation, which he denies.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 27, 2026

CEO Joanna Geraghty said economic uncertainty impeded the airline’s efforts to return to profitability in 2025 but that it was positioned for improvement in the year ahead.

From Barron's • Jan. 26, 2026

Africa’s north-south axis also seriously impeded the spread of livestock.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023