impotent

[im-puh-tuhnt]

adjective

1. not potent; lacking power or ability.

   Synonyms: helpless, powerless

2. utterly unable (to do something).

   Synonyms: helpless, powerless

3. without force or effectiveness.

   Synonyms: weak, feeble, ineffective, ineffectual

4. lacking bodily strength or physically helpless.

5. (of a male) unable to attain or sustain a penile erection.

6. (especially of a male) sterile.

7. Obsolete.,  without restraint.

noun

1. an impotent person.

   therapy for sexual impotents.

impotent

/ ˈɪmpətənt /

adjective

1. (when postpositive, often takes an infinitive) lacking sufficient strength; powerless

2. (esp of males) unable to perform sexual intercourse See erectile impotence

3. obsolete,  lacking self-control; unrestrained

Other Word Forms

• impotently adverb
• impotence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of impotent¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin impotent-, stem of impotēns “without power over oneself or others”; equivalent to im- ² + potent ¹

Example Sentences

And if our prayers can somehow really make a difference and help our friends on earth, why should they be impotent to help our friends in purgatory?

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France's current political crisis is also stoking the danger, he argues, with an impotent presidency giving way to a partisan parliament where extremists of left and right hold increasing sway.

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Rangers were a muddle of impotent passing for passing's sake under predecessor Russell Martin - but Rohl's messaging appears more pragmatic.

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Rendered impotent by domestication, she’ll do anything to influence human events.

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And they feel similarly impotent over what they do want - a bustling High Street, a new medical centre.

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Related Words

• helpless 
• inadequate 
• incapable 
• incompetent 
• ineffective 
• ineffectual 
• inept 
• paralyzed www.thesaurus.com
• powerless 
• weak