: 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 Sover 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