is impaired

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is impaired" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a condition where something is weakened, damaged, or not functioning properly. Example: "His ability to concentrate is impaired due to lack of sleep."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When memory function is impaired, the impairment is localized.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

His speech is impaired.

The New York Times

"Her hearing is impaired.

The Guardian - Books

Generally, recent recall is impaired first.

The New York Times - Health

Rather, good will is to be tested at least annually, to see if it is impaired.

The New York Times

"During these times when her thinking is impaired, you are her voice," Dr. O'Mahony replied.

The New York Times - Health

Dr. Zarkin's lawyer has said that his client, 61, is impaired by a frontal lobe disease.

The New York Times

But that is not the only reason his vision is impaired.

The New York Times

The problem was that the pilots were operating at night, when depth perception is impaired.

The New Yorker

"A soldier with hearing loss is impaired in battle," Gates said.

The New Yorker

The muscles tire, and the breathing function is impaired, so there's less oxygen entering the bloodstream".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific function or ability that's been negatively affected, pair "is impaired" with a clear and concise explanation of the cause or the extent of the impairment. For example, "Cognitive function is impaired due to sleep deprivation."

Common error

Avoid using "is impaired" in vague or general statements. Always specify what is impaired and, if possible, the reason for the impairment. For instance, instead of saying "Performance is impaired", specify "Memory recall is impaired by stress."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is impaired" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something or someone is experiencing a reduction in function or quality. As shown by Ludwig, it describes a state of reduced capability or effectiveness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is impaired" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe a state of reduced functionality or capability. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct. The frequency of use is very common, especially within scientific and news contexts. When using "is impaired", it's important to specify what exactly is impaired to maintain clarity. Alternative phrases include "is diminished", "is compromised", and "is weakened", each offering subtle differences in meaning. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively communicate the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is diminished

Emphasizes a reduction in quality or quantity.

is compromised

Highlights a vulnerability or weakening due to external factors.

is weakened

Focuses on a loss of strength or robustness.

is deteriorated

Suggests a decline in condition over time.

is damaged

Indicates physical harm or impairment.

is hindered

Implies obstruction or delay in progress.

is affected

Broadly indicates influence or impact, often negative.

is reduced

Focuses on a decrease in amount or level.

is flawed

Suggests the presence of a defect or imperfection.

is deficient

Highlights a lack of necessary qualities or elements.

FAQs

How can I use "is impaired" in a sentence?

The phrase "is impaired" is used to indicate that something is weakened or not functioning correctly. For example, "His vision "is impaired" due to cataracts" or "Her judgment "is impaired" by alcohol."

What are some alternatives to "is impaired"?

Alternatives to "is impaired" include "is compromised", "is weakened", or "is damaged", depending on the specific context. For example, "His hearing is weakened by prolonged exposure to loud noise."

Is it better to use "is impaired" or "is damaged"?

The choice between "is impaired" and "is damaged" depends on the context. "Is impaired" suggests a functional reduction or weakening, while "is damaged" implies physical harm or structural compromise. "His cognitive function "is impaired"" focuses on reduced capability, while "His car is damaged" emphasizes physical harm.

What's the difference between "is impaired" and "is hindered"?

"Is impaired" suggests that something is weakened or functions at a sub-optimal level. "Is hindered" implies that something is being actively blocked or delayed. For instance, "Her progress "is hindered" by bureaucracy", whereas "Her ability to speak "is impaired" due to a stroke".