Langimage
English

impaired

|im/paired|

B2

🇺🇸

/ɪmˈpɛrd/

🇬🇧

/ɪmˈpeəd/

(impair)

weakened or damaged

Base Form3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleNoun
impairimpairsimpairedimpairedimpairingimpairment
Etymology
Etymology Information

'impaired' originates from the Latin word 'impairare,' where 'in-' meant 'not' and 'parare' meant 'prepare.'

Historical Evolution

'impairare' transformed into the Old French word 'empeirer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'impair' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to make worse,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'weakened or damaged.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

weakened or damaged.

His hearing is impaired due to prolonged exposure to loud noises.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 2

functioning poorly or inadequately.

The impaired engine struggled to keep the car moving.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39