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.

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

And it is heartbreaking and frustrating to see city leaders just standing by helplessly and impotently while their constituents are plagued by endless challenges.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 30, 2021

The only thing worse than having to endure this treatment was watching, impotently, as it was repeated against other human beings.

From The Guardian • Jan. 27, 2017

I had tossed off my covers while I was asleep, and the Dancing Fan lay facedown, its blades pushing air impotently at the floor.

From "Darius the Great Is Not Okay" by Adib Khorram