: 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
Stan BergsteinFinding jobs can be difficult for visually impaired adults. About 70 percent of them are unemployed, the National Federation of the Blind says.—Eric Aasen
Eric Aasen… some GERD patients have impaired gut motility, meaning that their stomachs empty too slowly.—Andrew Weil
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
Mati SpencerSynonyms of impaired
Examples of impaired in a Sentence
driving while impaired is against the law
special devices for sight-impaired visitors
Recent Examples on the Web
These substances pose significant risks to minors, including impaired judgment and thinking, and should not be present in environments dedicated to education.
—Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention reports that exposure to chlorine, a flame retardant, at 60 micrograms per gram for 60 minutes or more through inhalation can lead to lung irritation and impaired function.
—Aude Konan, Scientific American, 11 Feb. 2026
The survey covers topics including impaired and distracted driving, seat belt use and bike and pedestrian safety.
—Joe Brandt, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
According to the release, 15 participating dogs have special needs, including Wynonna, a determined pup with only three legs; and Eleanor, who is both deaf and vision-impaired.
—Chris Sims, IndyStar, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for impaired
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Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention reports that exposure to chlorine, a flame retardant, at 60 micrograms per gram for 60 minutes or more through inhalation can lead to lung irritation and impaired function.
—Aude Konan, Scientific American, 11 Feb. 2026
The survey covers topics including impaired and distracted driving, seat belt use and bike and pedestrian safety.
—Joe Brandt, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
According to the release, 15 participating dogs have special needs, including Wynonna, a determined pup with only three legs; and Eleanor, who is both deaf and vision-impaired.
—Chris Sims, IndyStar, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for impaired
Cite this Entry
“Impaired.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impaired. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
impaired
adjective
im·paired
-ˈpa(ə)rd 
-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
Stan BergsteinFinding jobs can be difficult for visually impaired adults.—Eric Aasen
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
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
