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

The final stages of hypothermia can include impaired judgement, a false feeling of warmth and unconsciousness followed by death. —Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 24 Jan. 2026

The very young, very old and those with impaired temperature perception or regulation face the highest risks. —Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026

Traffic deaths in Colorado increased in 2025, reversing a decline in recent years, with about one in three deaths related to impaired driving, according to state data released Thursday. —Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 23 Jan. 2026

There are also rooms with Braille numbering and lettering, as well as alt text used in social media so that the visually impaired can read it. —Jemima Sissons, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 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