Impaired: meaning, definitions and examples
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impaired
[ɪmˈpɛrd ]
Definitions
senses
Having a disability of a specific kind.
Synonyms
challenged, disabled, handicapped.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| impaired |
Often used in a medical or technical context to describe a deficiency or weakening in a specific function, such as vision, hearing, or mobility.
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| disabled |
Commonly used to describe someone with a significant physical or mental condition that limits their activities. It’s a formal term that is widely accepted but can sometimes carry a negative connotation.
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| handicapped |
An older term that is less commonly used today due to its negative connotations. It is still sometimes used in specific contexts, such as 'handicapped parking' or in sports.
|
| challenged |
A more respectful or politically correct term, often used to emphasize a person’s struggles without defining them by their condition. Frequently used with a modifier, such as 'physically challenged' or 'mentally challenged'.
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Examples of usage
- He is visually impaired and uses a guide dog.
- Her hearing is impaired, so she wears hearing aids.
functions
Weakened, damaged, or diminished in function.
Synonyms
damaged, diminished, weakened.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| impaired |
Use when referring to something that has been made weaker or less effective, often relating to functions or abilities.
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| diminished |
Use when something has been reduced in size, importance, or intensity.
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| weakened |
Use when something is made less strong or less powerful.
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| damaged |
Use when something has been harmed or broken, usually referring to physical objects or structures.
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Examples of usage
- The impaired driver was arrested for DUI.
- The impaired memory may be a side effect of the medication.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- 'Impaired' comes from the Latin word 'impairare', which means to make worse.
- The prefix 'im-' suggests negation, while 'pair' relates to 'to make equal or standard.'
- The term has been used in English since the late Middle Ages, originally related to physical and mental conditions.
Psychology
- Impairment can be linked to cognitive functions; for instance, memory impairments may result from aging or neurological disorders.
- The field focuses on understanding how impairments affect individuals’ daily living and mental processes.
- Researchers often study how social support can mitigate the effects of various impairments, promoting better outcomes.
Health
- In medical contexts, impairment often refers to a loss or abnormality in psychological or physiological functions.
- Visual or hearing impairments are common terms, indicating reduced ability to see or hear.
- Around 1 billion people globally experience some form of impairment, highlighting the importance of accessibility in society.
Legal
- The concept of impairment often arises in discussions about disability rights and protections.
- Legal definitions of impairment can affect eligibility for services, benefits, and accommodations.
- Discrimination based on impairment is prohibited in many countries, advocating for equality.
Literature
- Writers often explore themes of impairment in character development, revealing deeper insights into human experiences.
- Impairment can symbolize personal struggles or societal issues in various literary works.
- Famous works, such as 'The Things They Carried', discuss the psychological impairments faced by soldiers, reflecting broader experiences.
Translations
Translations of the word "impaired" in other languages:
🇵🇹 prejudicado
🇮🇳 अविकसित
🇩🇪 beeinträchtigt
🇮🇩 terganggu
🇺🇦 пошкоджений
🇵🇱 upośledzony
🇯🇵 障害のある
🇫🇷 handicapé
🇪🇸 deteriorado
🇹🇷 engelli
🇰🇷 손상된
🇸🇦 معاق
🇨🇿 poškozený
🇸🇰 poškodený
🇨🇳 受损的
🇸🇮 oslabljen
🇮🇸 skertur
🇰🇿 зақымданған
🇬🇪 დაზიანებული
🇦🇿 zədələnmiş
🇲🇽 deteriorado