impair
gb/ɪmpˈɛɹ/ us/ɪmpˈɛɹ/
B2
Inglês
~ 5500
Aceções
0 aceções
Verbo
formal
B2
action
1
to weaken or damage something
To make something less strong, less able, or less good than before.
Padrão de uso:
to impair [something] / to impair [someone]'s [ability/judgment]
Erro comum:
Learners sometimes confuse "impair" with "improve" because they look similar; remember that "impair" is negative (to make worse or weaker). Another mistake is using it for simple physical damage to objects where "break" or "damage" is more natural; "impair" is most often used with abilities, functions, health, judgment, and performance.
Sinónimos
damage (More general and common; can be physical or abstract, not limited to function or ability.)
|
weaken (Focuses on making something less strong; slightly less formal than "impair.")
|
undermine (Often used for slowly or secretly making something less effective, especially systems or authority.)
|
diminish (Emphasizes reducing strength, quality, or value, sometimes in a more gradual or subtle way.)
Antónimos
improve (Opposite because it makes something better or more effective instead of weaker.)
|
enhance (Opposite because it increases the quality, ability, or value of something.)
|
restore (Opposite in contexts where something impaired is brought back to its former good condition.)
Colocações
impair judgment
|impair performance
|impair function
|impair ability
|seriously impair
|permanently impair
Temas
health
|law
|work
|core_vocabulary
Exemplos
- The medication may impair your ability to drive safely.
- Heavy drinking can seriously impair liver function over time.
- Lack of sleep has been shown to impair memory and concentration.
- Using a cracked screen can impair the phone's touch sensitivity.
Exemplos para aprendentes
- Loud noise can impair your hearing.
- His injury will impair his performance in the game.
- The fog impaired the pilots' vision.
- Smoking can impair the function of your lungs.
Gramática
Forma de dicionário
impair
IPA
GB/ɪmpˈɛɹ/
US/ɪmpˈɛɹ/
Sílabas e acento
im - pair (2 sílabas)
Stress on 2nd syllable (pair)
Formas da palavra
Verb
- Base: impair
- 3rd Person Singular: impairs
- Present Participle: impairing
- Past: impaired
Família de palavras
Forms
impairs
verb
impairing
verb
impaired
verb
Core family
impairment
noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
unimpaired
adjective
Expressões
cognitively impaired
1/kˈɑɡnɪtɪvli ɪmpˈɛɹd/
fixed phrase
technical
reduced mental processing ability
Having problems with thinking, memory, or understanding information, often because of illness or injury.
Exemplos
- The program is designed to support older adults who are cognitively impaired.
- Patients who are cognitively impaired may need help managing their medication.
hearing impaired
1/hˈɪɹɪŋ ɪmpˈɛɹd/
fixed phrase
having reduced ability to hear
Having weak or very poor hearing, partly or completely unable to hear well.
Exemplos
- Subtitles are useful for hearing impaired viewers.
- The school has special support for hearing impaired students.
impaired driving
1/ɪmpˈɛɹd dɹˈaɪvɪŋ/
fixed phrase
driving with reduced ability
Driving a vehicle when alcohol, drugs, or another substance has made it hard for you to drive safely.
Exemplos
- She was arrested for impaired driving after leaving the party.
- The campaign warns young people about the dangers of impaired driving.
impaired judgment
1/ɪmpˈɛɹd d͡ʒˈʌd͡ʒmənt/
fixed phrase
reduced ability to judge well
When someone cannot think clearly or make good decisions, often because of alcohol, drugs, or strong emotions.
Exemplos
- The court found that his impaired judgment was due to extreme stress.
- Alcohol can lead to impaired judgment and risky behavior.
mentally impaired
1/mˈɛntəli ɪmpˈɛɹd/
fixed phrase
having reduced mental ability
Having serious problems with mental ability, such as learning or understanding; this term can sound outdated or offensive in some contexts.
Exemplos
- The center provides services for mentally impaired adults.
- Some people find the term "mentally impaired" hurtful and prefer other words.
severely impaired
1/sɪvˈɪɹli ɪmpˈɛɹd/
fixed phrase
having very seriously reduced ability
Having a very serious loss of normal ability or function.
Exemplos
- Her mobility is severely impaired after the accident.
- The device was so badly damaged that its performance was severely impaired.
visually impaired
1/vˈɪʒəli ɪmpˈɛɹd/
fixed phrase
having limited vision
Having weak or very low eyesight, partly or fully unable to see well.
Exemplos
- The museum offers audio guides for visually impaired visitors.
- She works as a teacher for visually impaired children.
- Technology can greatly improve independence for visually impaired people.