impaired
Impaired (adj) means Weakened or made less effective. Example: “His vision was impaired after the accident.”
How to use impaired
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNot working as well as normal, often used for senses, abilities, or someone under the influence.
Word forms
impaireds plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His vision was _____ after the accident.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for impaired
See all rhymes for impaired →Frequently asked questions
What does “impaired” mean?
The word “impaired” means weakened or made less effective. In plain terms, not working as well as normal, often used for senses, abilities, or someone under the influence.
How do you pronounce “impaired”?
“Impaired” is pronounced ihm-PEHRD (/ɪmˈpɛrd/ in IPA).
How do you use “impaired” in a sentence?
Here is “impaired” used in a sentence: “His vision was impaired after the accident.”
What part of speech is “impaired”?
“Impaired” is an adjective.
Is “impaired” a common word?
“Impaired” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “impaired” have?
“Impaired” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: weakened or made less effective.
What is the difference between impaired and disabled?
Impaired describes a function that is weakened or working less well than normal, such as impaired vision or impaired judgment, and can be temporary. Disabled usually refers to a longer-term or permanent condition affecting a person's abilities. Something can be impaired without being classed as a disability.
What does it mean to say someone is driving impaired?
Driving impaired means a person's judgment, coordination, or reaction time has been weakened by alcohol or drugs, making it unsafe for them to drive. This use of impaired points specifically to the sense of being under the influence rather than having a general weakness.
Is impaired the same as drunk?
Not exactly. Impaired is a broader term covering any reduction in normal functioning, including from alcohol, drugs, fatigue, or illness, while drunk refers specifically to being under the influence of alcohol. A person can be impaired without being drunk, for example if they are impaired by medication.