Impaired
/ɪmˈpeəd/
Definitions
Damaged, weakened, or diminished, typically referring to a function or ability.
/ɪmˈpeəd/
Reduced in quality, strength, or ability.
His hearing was severely impaired after the accident.
💡 Simply: Imagine you try to play a game, but your controller isn't working right. The controller is impaired because it's not doing what it should. It's been affected and can't do its job as well.
👶 For kids: If something is impaired, it means it's not working as well as it should. Like, if your toy car has a broken wheel, its movement is impaired.
More Examples
The flood impaired the ability to transport goods.
The company's efficiency was impaired by the new regulations.
The drug use impaired his cognitive functions.
How It's Used
"The patient has impaired vision."
"Driving under the influence leads to impaired judgment."
"The software's performance was impaired by the recent update."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
From Middle English *empayred*, from Old French *empeirier* ('to make worse, diminish'), from Late Latin *peiorare* ('to make worse'), from Latin *peior* ('worse').
The word has been in use since the 16th century, evolving from the verb 'impair'. Initially, it was used generally to describe something worsened or damaged.
Memory tip
Think of 'impair' as 'im-pair,' meaning something is 'not paired' properly, leading to a problem.
Word Origin
"to make worse, diminish"