impaired

adjective

im·paired | \ im-ˈperd

Definition of impaired

: 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 & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about impaired

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Synonyms & Antonyms for impaired

Synonyms

besotted, blasted [slang], blind, blitzed [slang], blotto [slang], bombed, boozy, canned [slang], cockeyed, crocked, drunk, drunken, fried, gassed, hammered [slang], high, inebriate, inebriated, intoxicated, juiced [slang], lit, lit up, loaded [slang], looped, oiled [slang], pickled, pie-eyed, plastered, potted [slang], ripped [slang], sloshed [slang], smashed [slang], sottish, soused, sozzled, squiffed (or squiffy), stewed, stiff, stinking [slang], stoned, tanked [slang], tiddly [chiefly British], tight, tipsy, wasted [slang], wet, wiped out [slang]

Antonyms

sober, straight

Examples of impaired in a Sentence

driving while impaired is against the law special devices for sight-impaired visitors

Recent Examples on the Web

Due to the unexpected resignation of the person who taught visually impaired students, trustees approved hiring an intern eligible candidate through San Francisco State University. — Ramona Sentinel, "Workers spend summer on school improvements," 4 Sep. 2019 Written and directed by Richard Bates Jr. (1:27) R. Vision Portraits Documentary profiles blind and visually impaired artists including a photographer, a dancer, a writer and a filmmaker. — Los Angeles Times, "‘Brittany Runs a Marathon,’ ‘Angel Has Fallen’ and more new movies in L.A. this week," 18 Aug. 2019 Unfortunately, that shift has the opposite effect on blind and visually impaired consumers, for whom thousands of websites and mobile apps are unusable. — Kate Cox, Ars Technica, "Domino’s takes its case for non-accessible design to the Supreme Court," 2 Aug. 2019 Typically, visually impaired travelers arrive at the Pittsburgh airport and request an escort, Asakawa said, but escorts aren’t available until passengers check in. — Kristen De Groot, SFChronicle.com, "Flying blind: Apps help visually impaired navigate airport," 8 July 2019 Pedestrians can struggle to hear quiet electric and hybrid vehicles coming, which presents a particular risk for blind and visually impaired people. — Jack Guy, CNN, "EU requires carmakers to add fake engine noises to electric cars," 1 July 2019 Some requested funds for technology to enhance learning for blind and visually impaired people. — USA TODAY, "Moon rocks, Misty of Chincoteague, Haiku Stairs: News from around our 50 states," 28 June 2019 Troopers from the Batavia post will conduct an OVI (operating a vehicle under the influence) checkpoint to deter and intercept impaired drivers this week. — Jeanne Houck, Cincinnati.com, "Highway patrol's sobering message: OVI checkpoint coming," 7 July 2019 According to Minnesota court records, Cotton was convicted of gross misdemeanor driving while impaired (refuse to submit to chemical test) in November 2010 in Washington County District Court. — Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, "Driver charged in crash that killed Inver Grove Heights grandmother," 13 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'impaired.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.