impotent

adjective

im·​po·​tent ˈim-pə-tənt How to pronounce impotent (audio)
Synonyms of impotentnext
1
a
: not potent : lacking in power, strength, or vigor : helpless
b
: unable to engage in sexual intercourse because of inability to have and maintain an erection
broadly : sterile
2
obsolete : incapable of self-restraint : ungovernable
impotent noun
impotently adverb

Did you know?

A police department may be impotent to stop the flow of drugs into a neighborhood. A group of countries may be impotent to force another country to change its human-rights policies. The impotence of a prime minister may be shown by her inability to get an important piece of legislation passed. Impotent and impotence may also have a special meaning, when they refer to a man's inability to have sexual intercourse.

Synonyms

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Examples of impotent in a Sentence

an impotent ruler who was just a figurehead
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This Gilded Age rule—that those who act violently against individuals inherit the mantle of religious martyrdom, while those who act practically to improve a system are dismissed as impotent proceduralists—is visible in the continued appeal of the anarchist imagination. — Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025 Of course, that view of Trump and his movement invites an impotent rage that only further alienates persuadable voters. — Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 21 Feb. 2025 Were Cocoa’s leaders impotent in convincing Orlando Health to repair it, in order to keep a commitment to Cocoa’s health? — Letters To The Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2025 Contrary to conventional wisdom, the Cold War did not render the United Nations impotent. — Kal Raustiala, Foreign Affairs, 7 June 2023 See All Example Sentences for impotent

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin impotent-, impotens, from in- + potent-, potens potent

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of impotent was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Impotent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impotent. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

impotent

adjective
im·​po·​tent ˈim-pət-ənt How to pronounce impotent (audio)
1
: lacking in power or strength
2
: incapable of engaging in sexual intercourse
also : sterile sense 1
—usually used of males
impotently adverb

Medical Definition

impotent

adjective
im·​po·​tent ˈim-pət-ənt How to pronounce impotent (audio)
1
: not potent
an impotent vaccine
2
: unable to engage in sexual intercourse because of inability to have and maintain an erection
broadly : sterile

More from Merriam-Webster on impotent

Nglish: Translation of impotent for Spanish Speakers

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