impaired

adjective

im·​paired im-ˈperd How to pronounce impaired (audio)
: being in an imperfect or weakened state or condition: such as
a
: diminished in function or ability : lacking full functional or structural integrity
Brennan supports the use of corticosteroids in the treatment of inflammation, swelling, pain and impaired joint movement.Stan Bergstein
Finding jobs can be difficult for visually impaired adults. About 70 percent of them are unemployed, the National Federation of the Blind says.Eric Aasen
… some GERD patients have impaired gut motility, meaning that their stomachs empty too slowly.Andrew Weil
b
: unable to function normally or safely (as when operating a motor vehicle) because of intoxication by alcohol or drugs
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over is the safety advertisement that restaurants and bars will use to remind patrons of the dangers of driving impaired.Mati Spencer

Examples of impaired in a Sentence

driving while impaired is against the law special devices for sight-impaired visitors
Recent Examples on the Web Both fighters showed tremendous courage by continuing the bout, but partially because of Tszyu’s impaired vision, Fundora ended up pulling out the victory to take Tszyu’s title. Josh Katzowitz, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024 There was no indication from police that he was arrested or cited, or driving impaired. Robert Salonga, The Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2024 That July, Solo pleaded guilty to driving while impaired. Samantha Stutsman, Peoplemag, 4 Sep. 2024 This inhibits the prefrontal cortex from effectively processing information, so even at a neurocognitive level our ability to focus and learn is impaired. Heather Heefner, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for impaired 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'impaired.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of impaired was in 1582

Dictionary Entries Near impaired

Cite this Entry

“Impaired.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impaired. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

impaired

adjective
im·​paired -ˈpa(ə)rd How to pronounce impaired (audio)
-ˈpe(ə)rd
: being in an imperfect or weakened state or condition: such as
a
: diminished in function or ability : lacking full functional or structural integrity
impaired heart action
b
: intoxicated by alcohol or drugs
driving while impaired

Medical Definition

impaired

adjective
: being in an imperfect or weakened state or condition: as
a
: diminished in function or ability : lacking full functional or structural integrity
Brennan supports the use of corticosteroids in the treatment of inflammation, swelling, pain and impaired movement.Stan Bergstein
Finding jobs can be difficult for visually impaired adults.Eric Aasen
b
: unable to function normally or safely (as when operating a motor vehicle) because of intoxication by alcohol or drugs
driving while impaired

More from Merriam-Webster on impaired

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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