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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Examples of impaired in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Kevin Harrell, 51, of Wilmington, is now charged with operating a motor vessel while impaired and careless and reckless operation of a motor vehicle in connection with the incident, reports the Wilmington Star. — Mark Price, charlotteobserver, "4 hurt, 3 boats wrecked, 3 docks sliced during chain reaction of havoc at NC coast," 8 June 2018 Police cited the driver for operating a vehicle while impaired and failing to drive within marked lanes. — Bruce Geiselman, cleveland.com, "Man faces marijuana charge after bad reaction to gummy candy: North Olmsted police blotter," 5 May 2018 In the driving cases, Garza Palacios pleaded guilty to negligent driving, not following traffic control signs and driving while impaired. — Dan Morse, Washington Post, "Reaching for his cellphone, an off-duty FBI agent crashed his car. Moments later came tragedy.," 1 May 2018 Police arrested and booked Herman Loredo into a Maricopa County jail on suspicion of leaving the scene of a collision, driving while impaired and excessive speed, according to Sgt. — Adrian Marsh, azcentral, "Man accused of driving into, through Phoenix house, leaving scene," 29 Mar. 2018 No amount of marijuana in the bloodstream is acceptable if a driver is stopped for impaired driving. — Kathleen Gray, Detroit Free Press, "How Michigan's marijuana proposal differs from Colorado law," 12 July 2018 Arrests last year for impaired driving made by Chicago Police totaled 1,982, down from 2,592 arrests in 2016, according to the group. — Mike Nolan, Daily Southtown, "Orland Park among top communities in 2017 for DUI arrests, according to survey," 29 June 2018 Lindenmuth faces charges of possession of marijuana and driving with an open container of alcohol, in addition to the charge of driving while impaired. — Lavendrick Smith, charlotteobserver, "Woman charged with DWI, accused of fatally hitting man in Matthews," 30 May 2018 The annual Janet Hardy Memorial Soccer Games brings awareness and education to the community about the danger of impaired driving in a positive and productive manner and have been held since 2004. — The Aegis, "Janet Marie Hardy Memorial Scholarship Fund's annual soccer matches to be held April 14 [Letter]," 5 Apr. 2018

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.