# impacted

/ˈɪmˌpæktɪd/ (US) · /ˈɪmpæktɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/impacted
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. strongly affected

verb · CEFR B2

to have a strong effect on someone or something, often in a negative way.

For teachers: to have a significant effect or influence on a situation or entity; frequently used in the passive voice in business and economic contexts.

- The local tourism industry was heavily impacted by the long period of bad weather.
- Supply chains were severely impacted by the sudden increase in fuel prices, leading to significant delays across the manufacturing sector.

Usage: Often used in the passive voice with 'by'.

### 2. stuck tooth

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

describes a tooth that cannot grow through the gum because it is blocked by another tooth.

For teachers: referring to a tooth that is prevented from erupting normally because it is wedged against another tooth or bone.

- The dentist said my impacted wisdom tooth needs to be removed next week.
- Radiographs revealed that the third molar was horizontally impacted, necessitating a surgical extraction to prevent further crowding of the dental arch.

### 3. wedged or packed in

adjective · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

pressed or packed firmly together.

For teachers: wedged or packed closely and firmly together so as to be immovable.

- The pipe was blocked by a mass of impacted debris.
- The geologist noted that the lower strata consisted of heavily impacted sediment that had hardened over several millennia.

## Examples

- The new tax laws impacted small businesses across the country.
- Rising fuel costs have heavily impacted the logistics sector, leading to higher shipping prices for consumers.
- Economists are currently debating how the sudden shift in interest rates has impacted long-term investment strategies within the manufacturing industry.

---

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.