Etymology
Origin of impotence
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, variant of impotencie, from Latin impotentia “lack of self-control, weakness”; -ence, im- 2, potency
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.
The treatment itself can also cause incontinence and impotence, which can significantly affect quality of life.
From BBC
The treatment itself can cause incontinence and impotence, which can significantly affect quality of life.
From BBC
“We found evidence. And now they tell us it is not the case. One feels a great sense of impotence.”
From Los Angeles Times
It simply emphasised that Arsenal's impotence at one end leaves them increasingly vulnerable at the other.
From BBC
Men do not face a binary choice between power, birthright and dignity on one hand, and emasculation and impotence on the other.
From Salon
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.
