Impair

Pronunciation: /ɪmˈpɛr/

Definitions of impair

verb to weaken, damage, or make worse

Example Sentences

A1 Lack of sleep can impair your ability to concentrate.

A2 Excessive alcohol consumption can impair your judgment.

B1 The medication may impair your coordination, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.

B2 The injury impaired his mobility, making it difficult for him to walk without assistance.

C1 The stroke impaired her speech, requiring intensive therapy to regain communication skills.

C2 The degenerative disease gradually impaired his cognitive functions, affecting his memory and decision-making abilities.

Examples of impair in a Sentence

formal The medication may impair cognitive function in some patients.

informal Drinking alcohol can impair your ability to drive safely.

slang I didn't realize how much the lack of sleep would impair my performance.

figurative Her fear of failure impaired her decision-making skills.

Grammatical Forms of impair

• past tense: impaired
• plural: impairs
• comparative: more impaired
• superlative: most impaired
• present tense: impair
• future tense: will impair
• perfect tense: has impaired
• continuous tense: is impairing
• singular: impair
• positive degree: impair
• infinitive: to impair
• gerund: impairing
• participle: impaired

Origin and Evolution of impair

First Known Use: 1400 year

Language of Origin: Old French

Story behind the word: The word 'impair' originated from the Old French word 'empairier' which means 'to make worse'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'impair' has retained its meaning of making something worse or weaker, but its usage has expanded to include various contexts such as impairing one's abilities, health, or judgment.