Impaired Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
impaired
[ษชmหpษrd ]
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.
|
| disabled |
Commonly used to describe someone with a significant physical or mental condition that limits their activities. Itโs a formal term that is widely accepted but can sometimes carry a negative connotation.
|
| 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 personโs struggles without defining them by their condition. Frequently used with a modifier, such as 'physically challenged' or 'mentally challenged'.
|
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.
|
| diminished |
Use when something has been reduced in size, importance, or intensity.
|
| weakened |
Use when something is made less strong or less powerful.
|
| damaged |
Use when something has been harmed or broken, usually referring to physical objects or structures.
|
Examples of usage
- The impaired driver was arrested for DUI.
- The impaired memory may be a side effect of the medication.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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 individualsโ 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.
Origin of 'impaired'
Main points about word origin
- '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.
The word 'impaired' originated from the Old French word 'empairier', which means 'make worse'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the idea of being weakened or disabled. The term is commonly used in legal contexts to describe someone's diminished abilities, such as impaired driving. It is also used in medical contexts to describe a person's limited physical or cognitive functions.
See also: impairment, impairments.