: 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 SpencerExamples of impaired in a Sentence
driving while impaired is against the law
special devices for sight-impaired visitors
Recent Examples on the Web
Police charged Donnie Ray Cobb — the driver who lost control of his Audi — with second-degree murder, driving while impaired and other offenses.
—Ames Alexander, Charlotte Observer, 27 Feb. 2025
As this occurs, a person with MS may experience a range of symptoms such as impaired vision, memory lapses, mobility issues, muscle spasms, walking difficulties, imbalance, fatigue, mood swings and pain, numbness or tingling in their hands and feet.
—Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2025
In September, Timberlake reached a plea deal, and pled guilty to the lesser charge of driving while ability impaired.
—John Russell, People.com, 21 Jan. 2025
The adult male driver was subsequently arrested for driving while impaired.
—Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for impaired
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Ames Alexander, Charlotte Observer, 27 Feb. 2025
As this occurs, a person with MS may experience a range of symptoms such as impaired vision, memory lapses, mobility issues, muscle spasms, walking difficulties, imbalance, fatigue, mood swings and pain, numbness or tingling in their hands and feet.
—Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2025
In September, Timberlake reached a plea deal, and pled guilty to the lesser charge of driving while ability impaired.
—John Russell, People.com, 21 Jan. 2025
The adult male driver was subsequently arrested for driving while impaired.
—Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 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 9 Mar. 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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