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

Texas Democrats’ stunts drew national media attention, but they were impotent in the end precisely because the party holds no power in the Lone Star State.

From Salon

A former Conservative MP has quit the party, branding it "impotent", and wants to stand in next May's Senedd election.

From BBC

There are already countless residents, living outside Democrats’ city and suburban strongholds, who feel ignored and politically impotent.

From Los Angeles Times

The man who claimed he would end the war in Ukraine with one phone call on day one has been shown to be totally impotent when it comes to dealing with Russian president Vladimir Putin.

From Salon

This impotent rage factor is important for understanding what's happening in Los Angeles.

From Salon

Related Words

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