# impact

/ˈɪmpækt/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/impact
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a strong effect

noun · CEFR B1 · Academic

the powerful effect that something has on a person, situation, or place.

For teachers: the significant or powerful influence or effect of an action, event, or person on another entity.

- The new recycling program had a positive impact on the local environment.
- Economists are still assessing the long-term impact of the trade agreement on small-scale manufacturing sectors across the region.

Usage: Often used with the preposition 'on' when functioning as a noun.

Teaching tip: While common in business and academic contexts, some traditionalists prefer 'affect' or 'influence' over the verb form of 'impact'.

### 2. a physical collision

noun · CEFR B2

the act of one object hitting another with great force.

For teachers: the physical striking of one body against another; a high-force collision.

- The car was built to protect the passengers in the event of an impact.
- The meteor's impact created a crater several miles wide, sending debris high into the atmosphere.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun to describe the force itself.

### 3. to affect something

verb · CEFR B2 · Academic

to have a strong effect on someone or something.

For teachers: to have a significant or strong influence or effect on a situation or person.

- The budget cuts will heavily impact the school's music program.
- The rising cost of raw materials is expected to negatively impact the company's profit margins for the third quarter.

Usage: Transitive verb; does not take the preposition 'on'.

### 4. to be stuck or wedged

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

to be pushed or wedged firmly into something so it cannot move.

For teachers: to be firmly packed or wedged into a space; frequently used in medical contexts regarding teeth or blockages.

- The dentist said my wisdom tooth is impacted and needs to be removed.
- The surgeon identified an impacted gallstone that was causing significant inflammation in the surrounding tissue.

Usage: Often used in the passive voice or as a past participle adjective.

Teaching tip: In medicine, this most commonly refers to wisdom teeth that cannot grow in properly.

## Examples

- The new policy has a huge impact on local businesses.
- The environmental impact of the oil spill was devastating, leaving thousands of marine animals struggling to survive along the coast.
- While the immediate physical impact of the crash was minor, the psychological trauma left a lasting impression on the driver, fundamentally altering her approach to road safety.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.