What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
impair
Example
The loud music impaired my hearing. [impair: verb]
Example
The injury impaired his ability to walk. [impair: verb]
Example
The fog impaired the driver's visibility. [impair: verb]
damage
Example
The storm damaged the roof of the house. [damage: verb]
Example
The accident caused damage to the car's body. [damage: noun]
Example
The scandal damaged the politician's reputation. [damage: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Damage is more commonly used than impair in everyday language, especially in the context of physical harm or destruction. Impair is more commonly used in formal contexts, such as legal or medical documents.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between impair and damage?
Impair is generally considered more formal than damage, and it is often used in technical or academic writing. Damage is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
