Etymology
Origin of impotence
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, variant of impotencie, from Latin impotentia “lack of self-control, weakness”; see -ence, im- 2, potency
Explanation
Impotence is the state of being weak or unable to accomplish something, like the impotence of a broom in clearing a foot of snow from your sidewalk. The noun impotence comes from the Latin impotentia, meaning “lack of control or power.” Though its most common definition is "the condition of not being physically able to have sexual intercourse," impotence can be any kind of physical weakness or ineffectiveness. You might present a very unconvincing argument. The impotence of your message may lead to not a single person agreeing with you.
Vocabulary lists containing impotence
The Bluest Eye
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A Very Large Expanse of Sea
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One Hundred Years of Solitude
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Last year, published data in the International Journal of Impotence Research identified a significant uptick in vasectomy consultations after the Dobs decisions.
From Salon • Apr. 12, 2024
Men with fragmentation have lower odds of conceiving naturally and through such procedures as in vitro fertilization, the scientists write in the International Journal of Impotence Research.
From Washington Post • Apr. 29, 2016
Impotence is linked to inadequate blood flow in the penile arteries.
From BBC • Mar. 16, 2010
Impotence 'link to heart death' Impotence is a strong predictor of heart attack and death among high-risk patients, German researchers have said.
From BBC • Mar. 16, 2010
But this false Gallantry proceeds from an Impotence of Mind, which makes those who are guilty of it incapable of pursuing what they themselves approve.
From The Spectator, Volume 2. by Addison, Joseph
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
