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

Geriatricians say the amount of older adults who've died from falls have tripled in the last three decades, and two thirds of the fatal falls were linked to prescription pills that caused drowsiness and impaired balance. —Jennifer Bisram, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026

The office also encouraged drivers to be alert for impaired walkers who may not obey street signs. —Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026

But states like Texas and California have no minimum for what's considered impaired. —Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026

Maryland’s traffic fatalities dropped from 582 in 2024 to 480 in 2025, a decline the state attributed to enforcement, impaired driving prevention and infrastructure improvements. —Brendan Hellweg, Baltimore Sun, 9 Mar. 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