What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
debilitate
Example
The flu debilitated him for weeks. [debilitated: verb]
Example
Her chronic pain debilitated her ability to work. [debilitated: adjective]
impair
Example
The accident impaired his vision. [impaired: verb]
Example
The medication caused impaired cognitive function. [impaired: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Impair is more commonly used than debilitate in everyday language. Impair is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while debilitate is less common and refers to a more severe and debilitating condition.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between debilitate and impair?
Both debilitate and impair are formal words that are typically used in professional or medical contexts. However, impair is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
