impair performance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impair performance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing factors that negatively affect the efficiency or effectiveness of a person, system, or process. Example: "Excessive stress can impair performance in high-pressure situations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Aging-related Parkinsonism presents symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease (PD) and, like PD, they are progressive, impair performance of essential locomotor functions, and increase risk of cognitive impairment, dementia, and death [2] [5].

Plosone

Failing to recognize the limits of empathy can impair performance.

Harvard Business Review

Anxiety did not impair performance on simple reading tasks.

Behaviour Research and Therapy

Using a foreign language for teaching did not impair performance.

Learning and Instruction

Excessive flexibility may impair performance in sports where a high degree of flexibility is not required.

Stanford University

But these drugs can create a range of gastric side effects and impair performance through dizziness, headache and drowsiness.

The New York Times - Arts

But 2 percent to 4 percent of horses bleed badly enough to impair performance.

The New York Times

In thermoneutral conditions, half-time is associated with reductions in body temperature that acutely impair performance.

Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport

Several fans said they were more bothered by athletes' using marijuana and cocaine, which impair performance, than steroids, which enhance it.

The New York Times - Sports

"The real issue is all the other many thousands of components in modern wheat that could potentially impair performance," he says.

The Washington Post

This will impair performance levels as it produces muscle pain and cramps," says Dr Peter Mace, assistant medical director at BUPA Wellness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing factors that negatively affect performance, be specific about the cause. Instead of saying "Stress can impair performance", specify "Chronic stress can impair performance on complex tasks by reducing focus and cognitive flexibility."

Common error

Avoid using "impair performance" as a blanket statement. Instead of saying, "Lack of motivation can impair performance", specify the area of performance affected. For example: "Lack of motivation can impair performance in detail-oriented tasks due to increased errors and decreased attention to accuracy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impair performance" functions as a verb phrase. It indicates the action of diminishing or weakening the ability of someone or something to perform effectively. Ludwig confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

38%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "impair performance" is a widely used and grammatically correct verb phrase that describes a negative effect on someone or something's ability to function effectively. According to Ludwig, its usage spans across various contexts, particularly in science, news, and academia. When using the phrase, be mindful of overgeneralization and strive for specificity by mentioning the specific area of performance that is being negatively impacted, and if needed provide a reason to explain its negative effect. Alternative phrases include "hinder performance", "undermine performance", and "degrade performance".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Hinder performance

Replaces "impair" with "hinder", suggesting an impediment to performance rather than a complete weakening.

Harm performance

Substitutes "impair" with "harm", indicating damage or injury to the performance.

Undermine performance

Replaces "impair" with "undermine", suggesting a gradual weakening or erosion of performance.

Erode performance

Similar to "undermine", but emphasizes a slow, wearing-away effect on performance.

Diminish performance

Focuses on the reduction or lessening of performance quality or level.

Weaken performance

Directly indicates a reduction in the strength or effectiveness of performance.

Degrade performance

Suggests a decline in the quality or condition of performance.

Compromise performance

Implies a trade-off or sacrifice affecting the overall quality of performance.

Affect performance negatively

Expands the phrase to explicitly state the negative impact on performance.

Reduce the effectiveness of performance

Rephrases the concept to emphasize the reduction in effectiveness.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "impair performance"?

Alternatives to "impair performance" include "hinder performance", "undermine performance", or "degrade performance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does sleep deprivation "impair performance"?

Sleep deprivation can "impair performance" by reducing cognitive function, slowing reaction times, and decreasing overall alertness. This can lead to errors and decreased productivity in various tasks.

Can anxiety sometimes enhance, rather than "impair performance"?

Yes, some research suggests that anxiety can enhance performance in certain situations. However, excessive anxiety is more likely to "impair performance" by causing panic and reducing focus.

Which is correct, "impair performance" or "impaired performance"?

"Impair performance" is a verb phrase indicating an action that negatively affects performance. "Impaired performance" is a noun phrase, referring to the state of reduced or damaged performance.