Definitions

impair

[im-pair] / ɪmˈpɛər /

VERB

harm, hinder

Synonyms

STRONGEST

blunt damage debilitate decrease destroy diminish hurt lessen mar prejudice reduce spoil tarnish undermine weaken worsen

STRONG

blemish cheapen debase deteriorate devaluate devalue ding disqualify enervate enfeeble injure invalidate total tweak unfit vitiate

WEAK

lose strength make useless rough up

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid assist cure develop enlarge expand extend fix grow heal help improve increase invigorate mend raise repair strengthen

STRONG

enhance permit upgrade

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The committee’s authority is limited to very uncommon circumstances in which there are no “reasonable and prudent alternatives” that would avoid jeopardizing a listed species or impair a species’ critical habitat.

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026

But more frequent doses can impair learning and memory, Sanacora said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

The centre's chief executive, Jackie Rodriguez, told the BBC that dyslexia does not impair a person's intelligence, judgement or ability to lead.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

Your boss is expressing his frustration in a way that wouldn’t encourage anyone to work harder and could even impair your performance.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 27, 2026

With a logic problem, asking people to explain themselves doesn’t impair their ability to come up with the answers.

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell

Vocabulary lists containing impair

List 6

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Essential English Vocabulary, List 5

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United States v. Nixon (1974)

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