Word
impair
Phoneticsim·pair, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪmˈpɛɹ/
UK/ɪmpˈeə/
Definition
v. to make something less effective or worse. You use this when a person or thing is not working as well as it should.
v. to reduce the effectiveness, quality, or value of something; to cause a loss of physical or mental ability.
Examples
“The heavy rain began to impair the driver's vision.”
“The new law aims to prevent substances that might impair a pilot's judgment from being used before a flight.”
“While the initial damage was minor, the constant exposure to saltwater eventually began to impair the structural integrity of the ancient stone walls.”
Examples
simple
“The heavy rain began to impair the driver's vision.”
contextual
“The new law aims to prevent substances that might impair a pilot's judgment from being used before a flight.”
complex
“While the initial damage was minor, the constant exposure to saltwater eventually began to impair the structural integrity of the ancient stone walls.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “impair” in context.
Verb
01. impair performance
“Lack of sleep can significantly impair performance during cognitive tasks.”
verb + noun
02. significantly impair
“The new regulations could significantly impair the company's ability to compete globally.”
adv + verb
Real-World Examples
“Carney Almroth noted that PFAS impair the right to life, health, a healthy environment, a safe and healthy working environment along with access to information, “justice and remedy”.” “Birth tourism also … impairs the executive branch’s ability to protect the national security.”
Protection of national security was one of the grounds Roberts specifically cited in Trump v.” Etymology
From Middle English impairen, empeiren, from Old French empeirier, from Early Medieval Latin impeiōrāre, from in- + Late Latin peiōrāre (“worsen”), from peiōrem (“worse”), comparative of malus (“bad”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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