impair
What does "impair" mean?
To impair is to weaken, damage, or diminish the quality, strength, or effectiveness of something. Imagine a perfectly functioning machine that has developed a rusty gear; the rust doesn't break the machine entirely, but it stops it from working as smoothly or efficiently as it should. This word is most often used in formal or technical contexts, such as medicine, law, or professional reports. You will frequently hear it in phrases like "impaired vision," "impaired judgment," or "impaired ability." It implies a negative change from a previously healthy or functional state.
"impair" in conversation
Workplace safety
You cannot operate the forklift if your vision is impaired by that injury.
You cannot operate the forklift if your vision is impaired by that injury.
I understand, I'll go see the doctor immediately.
I understand, I'll go see the doctor immediately.
Used here to describe a physiological limitation affecting performance.
Legal discussion
The defendant's judgment was clearly impaired by alcohol at the time.
The defendant's judgment was clearly impaired by alcohol at the time.
That will be a key point in our ruling today.
That will be a key point in our ruling today.
A common collocation in legal contexts regarding decision-making capacity.
"impair" in a sentence
Lack of sleep can impair your ability to focus during the exam.
Lack of sleep can impair your ability to focus during the exam.
The heavy rain began to impair the driver's visibility on the highway.
The heavy rain began to impair the driver's visibility on the highway.
Chronic stress may significantly impair the long-term functioning of the immune system.
Chronic stress may significantly impair the long-term functioning of the immune system.
