Unimpaired Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unimpaired

[สŒnษชmหˆpษ›rd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

general usage

Unimpaired refers to something that is not damaged, weakened, or compromised in any way. It indicates a state where normal functioning or quality is preserved. For example, unimpaired vision suggests that a person's eyesight is clear and undistorted. This term is often used in medical contexts to describe physiological functions or capabilities that remain intact and effective. Additionally, unimpaired can apply to various situations, emphasizing integrity and wholeness in both physical and metaphorical senses.

Synonyms

intact, unaffected, unblemished, undamaged, unharmed.

Examples of usage

  • Her unimpaired hearing allowed her to enjoy the concert fully.
  • The building remained unimpaired after the storm.
  • He completed the race with unimpaired strength.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychological terms, being unimpaired can refer to cognitive functions that remain intact despite challenges.
  • Unimpaired mental health signifies the absence of disorders that might hinder someoneโ€™s daily life.
  • When discussing resilience, individuals who remain unimpaired by stressful events show remarkable coping mechanisms.

Medicine

  • The term is often used in medical contexts to describe patients who have retained optimal functionality after treatments.
  • Unimpaired physical abilities are crucial assessments in rehabilitation settings, indicating successful recovery.
  • Certain tests in medicine specifically evaluate if neurological functions are unimpaired post-injury or surgery.

Technology

  • In software, unimpaired systems demonstrate reliability, meaning they perform as expected without errors.
  • Hardware that is unimpaired continues functioning at its designed efficiency without malfunctions.
  • Testing for unimpaired performance in devices is a crucial step in quality assurance prior to market release.

Literature

  • In literature, characters described as unimpaired often represent ideals of strength, resilience, or integrity.
  • The contrast between impaired and unimpaired characters can deepen narratives, showcasing struggles and triumphs.
  • Themes of restoration or redemption often involve characters moving from impaired states back to unimpaired ones.

Origin of 'unimpaired'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 'un-' means 'not', which pairs with 'impaired' to create a term that signifies something that functions properly.
  • Originating from the Latin 'impairare', meaning to make worse, the word evolved in English to also mean to not be in that state.
  • The concept of being unimpaired is often discussed in contexts relating to health, capability, and functionality.

The word 'unimpaired' is formed from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'impaired,' which derives from the Latin word 'impairare.' 'Impairs' is composed of 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'parare,' meaning 'to prepare,' thus originally implying the sense of something being made less or reduced in quality. The usage of 'unimpaired' began to emerge in the English language around the late 19th century as a direct antonym to 'impaired.' Increasingly in medical, legal, and technical contexts, 'unimpaired' has become a precise descriptor for functionality and capability that persists without degradation. This evolution emphasizes its utility in academic and clinical discussions, marking the importance of preserving the integrity of systems, processes, and conditions.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,838, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.