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
1
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."
2
Unable to achieve or maintain an erection.
"Certain health conditions can leave a man impotent."
How to use impotent
Learner’s notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- impotents
- Comparative
- more impotent
- Superlative
- most impotent
Fill the gap
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The referee stood _____ as the crowd surged onto the pitch.
Etymology
From Old French impotent, from Latin impotens, from in- ("not") + potens ("powerful").
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for impotent
See all rhymes for impotent →Frequently asked questions
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.
