adj

impotent

IHM-puh-tuhnt

Impotent (adj) means Unable to take effective action; powerless. Example: “The referee stood impotent as the crowd surged onto the pitch.”

adj

Unable to take effective action; powerless.

"The referee stood impotent as the crowd surged onto the pitch."

"The council's impotent response to the flooding frustrated residents."

Unable to achieve or maintain an erection.

"Certain health conditions can leave a man impotent."

How to use impotent

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishLacking the power or ability to do something — either in general, or specifically in a sexual/medical sense.

Common pairings

impotent rage impotent fury feel impotent

more impotent comparative, impotents plural, most impotent superlative

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The referee stood _____ as the crowd surged onto the pitch.

From Old French impotent, from Latin impotens, from in- ("not") + potens ("powerful").

Origin: Latin

potent

strong effective powerful weak efficient mighty potent sterile

potent omnipotent

What does “impotent” mean?

The word “impotent” means unable to take effective action; powerless.

How do you pronounce “impotent”?

“Impotent” is pronounced IHM-puh-tuhnt (/ˈɪm.pə.tənt/ in IPA).

How do you use “impotent” in a sentence?

Here is “impotent” used in a sentence: “The referee stood impotent as the crowd surged onto the pitch.”

What is the opposite of “impotent”?

The opposite of “impotent” — its antonyms — is potent.

What part of speech is “impotent”?

“Impotent” is an adjective.

Where does the word “impotent” come from?

The word “impotent” comes from Latin. From Old French impotent, from Latin impotens, from in- ("not") + potens ("powerful").

How many meanings does “impotent” have?

“Impotent” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: unable to take effective action; powerless.

strong effective powerful weak efficient mighty potent sterile