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 cause incontinence and impotence, which can significantly affect quality of life.
From BBC • Nov. 28, 2025
Men do not face a binary choice between power, birthright and dignity on one hand, and emasculation and impotence on the other.
From Salon • Sep. 1, 2024
In fact, despite all of DeLillo’s fascination with terrorism and death cults and the impotence of the individual swept up in unstoppable social forces, I’ve never considered him to be an especially paranoid writer.
From New York Times • May 22, 2024
In Pinter, troubled vision is often associated with impotence and diminished vitality.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 28, 2023
I'm just reveling in the glory of not having to hear the neediness and impotence of my own voice.
From "Will Grayson, Will Grayson" by John Green and David Levithan
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.
