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

• besotted
• blasted [slang]
• blind
• blitzed [slang]
• blotto [slang]
• bombed
• boozy
• canned [slang]
• cockeyed
• crocked
• drunk
• drunken
• fried
• gassed
• hammered [slang]
• high
• inebriate
• inebriated
• intoxicated
• juiced [slang]
• lit
• lit up
• loaded [slang]
• looped
• oiled [slang]
• pickled
• pie-eyed
• plastered
• potted [slang]
• ripped [slang]
• sloshed [slang]
• smashed [slang]
• sottish
• soused
• sozzled
• squiffed
• squiffy
• stewed
• stiff
• stinking [slang]
• stoned
• tanked [slang]
• tiddly [chiefly British]
• tight
• tipsy
• wasted [slang]
• wet
• wiped out [slang]

Examples of impaired in a Sentence

driving while impaired is against the law

special devices for sight-impaired visitors

Recent Examples on the Web

Justin Timberlake addressed fans again following his DWI arrest in Sag Harbor, New York, for driving while intoxicated or impaired. —Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 23 June 2024

The driver, who wasn’t injured in the crash, was taken into custody for driving while impaired. —Andrea Klick, Kansas City Star, 23 June 2024

Patrols will monitor boats for impaired operators and remove them from the water if needed. —Haley Bemiller, The Enquirer, 20 June 2024

Arrest records from the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office show he was booked on a driving while impaired complaint. —Myles Manor, Charlotte Observer, 15 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing impaired

• hearing-impaired
• visually impaired

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