impaired

[ im-paird ]

adjective

1. weakened, diminished, or damaged:

   to rebuild an impaired bridge.

2. functioning poorly or inadequately:

   Consumption of alcohol results in an impaired driver.

3. deficient or incompetent (usually preceded by an adverb or noun):

   morally impaired; sports-impaired.

Other Words From

• unim·paired adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of impaired¹

impair + -ed ²

Example Sentences

This results in impaired blood flow and blockage of small blood vessels, which causes brain swelling and can develop into cerebral malaria.

From Science Daily

The team is excited about their new findings and the significant potential it has in developing new treatments for age-related muscle atrophy along with other health condition related to impaired muscle regeneration.

From Science Daily

The panel concluded Mrs Warmington’s fitness to practice was impaired, she had committed misconduct, and her actions had put patients at an "unwanted risk of harm".

From BBC

She now has a boyfriend who is also visually impaired.

From BBC

Another student said it would be "really cool if someone who is visually impaired like us" won the competition.

From BBC

Related Words

• damaged
• defective
• flawed
• harmed