low-impact

adjective

low-im·​pact ˈlō-ˈim-ˌpakt 

sports

: relating to or involving a physical activity (such as walking, swimming, or bicycling) in which the body makes gentle contact or no contact with the ground

low-impact exercise

low-impact workouts

Testers were impressed by its compression but it's a low-impact bra, so save it for yoga, Pilates and hiking—any workouts where you don't need much support.

—Hannah Mendelsohn and Isabella Silvers

compare high-impact

Examples of low-impact in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Maryland, Maine, Florida and Illinois prevent HOAs from banning low-impact or native landscaping. — Daniel Kramer, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 2026

The essence of the park’s design focuses on preserving wetlands and adding visually low-impact architecture, according to Brown. — Noah Daly july 31, Idaho Statesman, 31 July 2026

Both walking and cycling are low-impact exercises that can benefit your knees. — Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 30 July 2026

Instead, scent, sound, lighting and material are used to settle the environment before guests move onto the Lagree MicroFormer for its signature slow, low-impact, high-intensity practice. — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above