: 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
Stan BergsteinFinding jobs can be difficult for visually impaired adults. About 70 percent of them are unemployed, the National Federation of the Blind says.—Eric Aasen
Eric Aasen… some GERD patients have impaired gut motility, meaning that their stomachs empty too slowly.—Andrew Weil
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
Mati SpencerSynonyms of impaired
Examples of impaired in a Sentence
driving while impaired is against the law
special devices for sight-impaired visitors
Recent Examples on the Web
The cells’ invasiveness—critical for securing nutrients and ensuring optimal fetal growth—was impaired.
—Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025
Deputies observed signs both were impaired.
—Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 4 Dec. 2025
The teen driver suspected of killing three University of Arizona students while driving impaired is no longer behind bars, according to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
—Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 1 Dec. 2025
Today, Riley is deaf, visually impaired and non-verbal.
—Angelica Wells, Miami Herald, 26 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for impaired
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Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025
Deputies observed signs both were impaired.
—Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 4 Dec. 2025
The teen driver suspected of killing three University of Arizona students while driving impaired is no longer behind bars, according to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
—Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 1 Dec. 2025
Today, Riley is deaf, visually impaired and non-verbal.
—Angelica Wells, Miami Herald, 26 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for impaired
Cite this Entry
“Impaired.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impaired. Accessed 11 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Stan BergsteinFinding jobs can be difficult for visually impaired adults.—Eric Aasen
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
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