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.

People arriving at the airport now can watch as the empty trains shuttle impotently back and forth.

From Barron's • May 27, 2026

It's amusing, of course, to watch Lake flail about impotently.

From Salon • Dec. 7, 2022

But if coronavirus vaccines for my children mean the difference between nursing them through mild cold symptoms and impotently rocking a sobbing baby at midnight, I’ll take the shot every time.

From Washington Post • Jul. 26, 2022

The eyes of their gunports stare at the scene impotently.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 4, 2019

The boss slashed impotently at newspapers, printed blurry slips and pasted items askew.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith