Meaning
Impair is a verb that means to weaken, damage, or reduce the quality, strength, or ability of something. It refers to making something less effective or less good.
Grammar and Usage
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Part of speech: Verb
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Transitivity: Transitive (requires an object)
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Structures:
- impair + noun
- Common objects: vision, ability, judgment, function, health
Common Phrases
- impair one’s ability – reduce someone’s ability to do something
- impair health – damage health
- impair judgment – weaken clear thinking
- impair function – reduce how well something works
Collocations
- seriously impair
- severely impair
- slightly impair
- impair performance
- impair efficiency
Examples
- Smoking can seriously impair your health.
- The injury impaired his ability to walk.
- Lack of sleep may impair concentration and memory.
- Alcohol consumption impairs judgment.
- The disease gradually impaired her eyesight.
- Stress can impair the body’s immune system.
- His hearing was impaired after the accident.
- Poor diet can impair normal growth in children.
Synonyms or Related
- Weaken
- Damage
- Diminish
- Harm
- Undermine