impaired

adjective

im·​paired im-ˈperd 

: 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

Synonyms of impaired

• drunk
• drunken
• fried
• wet
• blind
• wasted

Examples of impaired in a Sentence

driving while impaired is against the law

special devices for sight-impaired visitors

Recent Examples on the Web

Maryland’s traffic fatalities dropped from 582 in 2024 to 480 in 2025, a decline the state attributed to enforcement, impaired driving prevention and infrastructure improvements. —Brendan Hellweg, Baltimore Sun, 9 Mar. 2026

Police ruled out impaired driving and said no arrests are anticipated in the crash. —Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026

This was followed by symptoms of memory loss, impaired vision, and difficulty with balance, for both them and their two children. —Will Croxton, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026

The foundation seeks to raise awareness about impaired driving risks and makes grants for scholarships to graduating high school students who embody Levi’s drive, passion and enthusiasm and repairing and building public tennis centers. —Michelle Edgar, Daily News, 8 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing impaired

• visually impaired

Rhymes for impaired

• undeclared
• unimpaired
• unprepared
• unrepaired
• aired
• bared
• blared
• caird
• cared
• chaired
• dared
• erred

Kids 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

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