Dictionary.com

impotence

[ im-puh-tuhns ]
/ ˈɪm pə təns /
Save This Word!

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.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
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
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use impotence in a sentence

FEEDBACK