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

Thailand has long struggled with a high rate of deadly transportation accidents, with factors such as speeding, impaired driving and inconsistent traffic law enforcement frequently cited as contributing causes, according to the AFP. —Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026

This misalignment, sustained over years, is associated with elevated risk for depression, metabolic disturbance and impaired cognition. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026

Those flu-like symptoms can be followed by vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, rash and impaired kidney and liver functions. —Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 18 May 2026

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to remove impaired drivers from the road and improve public safety. —Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 18 May 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