Meaning & Definition of word "Impotent"
Impotent
/ˈɪm.pə.tənt/
adjective:
- 1. Unable to take effective action; helpless or powerless.
- Example: Despite his attempts to fight against the injustice, he felt impotent in the face of such systemic problems.
- 2. Lacking physical strength or vigor.
- Example: After the illness, she felt impotent and unable to perform her daily activities.
- 3. Unable to achieve an erection or sexual intercourse.
- Example: He was embarrassed to admit that he had been impotent for several months.
Etymology
●Middle English, from Latin 'impotentem' (powerless) from 'in-' (not) + 'potens' (powerful).
Common Phrases and Expressions
impotent rage:
A feeling of anger that one cannot act upon.
impotent frustration:
The feeling of being stuck and unable to change a situation.
Related Words
potent:
Having great power, influence, or effect.
impotence:
The condition of being impotent.
Slang Meanings of impotent
Meaning: Having no significance or influence.
● Example Sentence: His complaints were seen as impotent in the grand scheme.
Meaning: Feeling demoralized or defeated.
● Example Sentence: After that loss, the team felt completely impotent.