impotence

[ im-puh-tuhns ]

/ ˈɪm pə təns /

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See synonyms for impotence on Thesaurus.com

noun

the condition or quality of being impotent; weakness.

chronic inability to attain or sustain an erection for the performance of a sexual act.

sterility, especially in the male.

Obsolete. lack of self-restraint.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Also im·po·ten·cy, im·po·tent·ness .

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

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH impotence

1. impetus, impotence 2. importance, impotence

Words nearby impotence

impostor, impostor syndrome, impostume, imposture, imposure, impotence, impotent, impound, impoundment, impoverish, impoverished

How to use impotence in a sentence

Though as the bombardment of Ukrainian cities escalated alongside the testiness of exchanges inside the chamber, feelings shifted to outrage at the impotence of members’ calls for peace and dialogue.
How Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine Could Change the Global Order Forever|Charlie Campbell|February 24, 2022|Time
It’s more frustration and the feeling of impotence over the situation at times.
COVID-19 Killed My Grandfather. But My Dad Was Too Busy Treating COVID-19 Patients to Grieve Him|Tara Law|February 24, 2022|Time
Despite the violence and government impotence in finding the perpetrators, Hazara have exhibited remarkable restraint.
"My Future Is Now." An Afghan Woman from a Threatened Minority Wrestles with What Happens When the U.S. Withdraws|Knox Thames|June 28, 2021|Time
This gives the book a feeling of impotence at best and dangerously misdirected blame at worst.
What Gretel Ehrlich Gets Wrong About Climate Change|Erin Berger|February 8, 2021|Outside Online

The result is safe seats that lead to apathy and voter impotence, leading logically to ever-declining voter turnout.
Hate Hyper-Partisanship? Support Redistricting Reform Now|John Avlon|November 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Brinkley explained that despite all the recent advances in medicine, there still was nothing to be done for impotence.
The Strange, True Tale of the Old-Timey Goat Testicle-Implanting 'Governor'|Penny Lane|September 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
That is the height of cynicism, combined with an admission of impotence.
Border Kids Crisis—Impotent Congress|John Avlon|July 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Male infertility was extremely stigmatic: it was falsely conflated with impotence.
Israel’s Sperm Clinic Crisis|Alastair Sloan|March 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
European history also suggests the impotence of criminal law in these matters.
How (Not) to Fight Racism and Anti-Semitism|Jacob Mchangama|February 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In a voice thick with the torturing rage of impotence he gave the order upon which the grim Parisian insisted.
St. Martin's Summer|Rafael Sabatini
One of its characteristic features was the acknowledged impotence of the gods to secure future happiness.
Beacon Lights of History, Volume I|John Lord
Their "lameness" and "ineptness" and "impotence" plainly arose from disinclination alone.
The Loyalists of America and Their Times, Vol. 1 of 2|Egerton Ryerson
During the revolutionary war the French believed that they could reduce England to impotence by ruining her commerce.
The Political History of England - Vol. X.|William Hunt
Must we also consider impotence and sickness a form, because sickness and vice can and do accomplish many things badly?
Plotinos: Complete Works, v. 3|Plotinos (Plotinus)