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

Andrew Bastawrous grew up visually impaired and unaware of it. — Ashoka, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Beyond impaired sleep and a bad morning after, Zhou underscores that alcohol functions as a muscle relaxant. — Sharon Brandwein, USA Today, 19 June 2026

Peptide skin-care products have the unique ability to target a host of skin concerns, from sagging to an impaired skin barrier, in part because there are so many different types of peptides. — Deanna Pai, Vogue, 24 June 2026

The season coincides with more vacation travel, increased teen driving as school lets out, and holiday celebrations that can easily lead to impaired driving if motorists fail to plan ahead. — Aaa - Mountain Group, Sacbee.com, 30 June 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