impaired

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

Examples of impaired in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web With impaired immune defenses, virtually every organ system in the body was attacked and devastated by opportunistic microbes. — Jerome Groopman, The New York Review of Books, "Lessons from the Worst Years of AIDS," 8 Sep. 2020 Beyond an impaired response to infections, people with obesity also suffer from chronic, low-grade inflammation. — Meredith Wadman, Science | AAAS, "Why COVID-19 is more deadly in people with obesity—even if they're young," 8 Sep. 2020 His doctor held a news conference five days later, saying Olson had an initially undiagnosed stroke earlier in the year, causing depression and impaired judgment. — CBS News, "Lute Olson, Hall of Fame coach and Arizona icon, dies at 85," 28 Aug. 2020 His doctor held a news conference five days later, saying Olson had an initially undiagnosed stroke earlier in the year, causing depression and impaired judgment. — John Marshall, Houston Chronicle, "Lute Olson, Hall of Fame coach, Arizona icon, dies at 85," 27 Aug. 2020 Troopers will focus their enforcement efforts on removing impaired drivers from Ohio’s roadways. — Chris Mayhew, The Enquirer, "Labor Day weekend: Ohio state troopers promise they will be looking for impaired drivers," 3 Sep. 2020 One early study from Wuhan, China found that 36% of patients had neurologic symptoms ranging from headache to impaired consciousness. — Robert Langreth, Bloomberg.com, "Brain Deficits, Nerve Pain Can Torment Covid Patients for Months," 28 Aug. 2020 Streiff is one of 24 officers across the state whose singular focus on impaired driving is funded by a grant from the DPS. — Paul Walsh, Star Tribune, "A friend's tragic death motivates Eden Prairie cop to get impaired drivers off the road," 24 Aug. 2020 Our notification system provides enhanced notification capabilities to a subscriber's home, cell or business phone, as well as email, text messages and hearing impaired receiving devices. — Claire Goodman, Houston Chronicle, "SUNDAY CONVERSATION: Emergency management coordinator prepares city for potential disasters, offers safety tips for residents," 23 Aug. 2020

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.