Words / C1

im-PAIR/ɪmˈpeə/

To impair is to weaken a function or quality: impair judgement, visually impaired. Damage is everyday and can be a smash; impair is often of sight, hearing, or performance. Impairment is the noun. Repair is the lookalike opposite. Do not impair a biscuit.

Meaning

To weaken or damage the quality or function of something.

Examples

• “Exhaustion impaired her judgement more than the noisy hall did.”
• “A sleepless night impaired her marking more than the noisy hall did.”
• “Visually impaired is the set phrase; “impaired the biscuit” is not English you want.”

Good to know

Weaken a function. Noun: impairment. Everyday: damage. Mix-up: repair. Set phrase: visually/hearing impaired.

Near in meaning

weaken

New