impotent

adjective im·po·tent \ ˈim-pə-tənt \

Updated on: 6 Dec 2017

Definition of impotent

1 a : not potent : lacking in power, strength, or vigor : helpless

b : unable to engage in sexual intercourse because of inability to have and maintain an erection; broadly : sterile

2 obsolete : incapable of self-restraint : ungovernable

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impotent

noun

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impotently

adverb

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Examples of impotent in a Sentence

an impotent ruler who was just a figurehead

Recent Examples of impotent from the Web

Tech An $11 million fiber-optic system with 1,000-plus WiFi access points should ensure a steady signal for concertgoers — a relief from recent years when a big gathering could render your smartphone impotent.

— brian mccollum, Detroit Free Press, "Little Caesars Arena guide: Parking, dining, seating and more information," 12 Sep. 2017
This pass rush was impotent for much of last season.

— andy benoit, SI.com, "Dallas Cowboys: 10 Things You Need to Know," 31 Aug. 2017
In a sloppy game on both sides, the Aggies (5-5, 3-3 Mountain West) did just enough to thwart a Lobos (3-6, 1-5) squad that has been impotent offensively.

— USA TODAY, "Utah State downs New Mexico 24-10 behind Hunt," 4 Nov. 2017
Given the conventional, and possible nuclear, weaponry North Korea could use against U.S. allies South Korea and Japan, Trump’s threats are largely impotent.

— charlie campbell / beijing, Time, "President Trump’s U.N. Speech Is Exactly What Kim Jong Un Wanted to Hear," 20 Sep. 2017
Things tend to happen faster when trouble starts spreading beyond a demographic of the politically impotent downtrodden.

— michael smolens, sandiegouniontribune.com, "San Diego business community pushes homeless solutions — trying to make up for past sins?," 17 Sep. 2017
The United Nations and international nonproliferation organizations, while well-meaning in intent, have thus far proven impotent in deed.

— victor davis hanson, National Review, "Who Gets to Have Nuclear Weapons — and Why?," 2 Nov. 2017
Should Garrett hobble the bank or leave it impotent, that could cost jobs for states with major manufacturers who use its powers.

— philip elliott, Time, "Donald Trump Doesn't Understand Local Politics. That's Hurting His Presidency," 26 Oct. 2017
With star wide receiver sitting out injured and New York's offense looking impotent as a result, naturally, Twitter had lots of fun with it.

— luke kerr-dineen, USA TODAY, "The 7 funniest Odell Beckham Jr. tweets after loss," 11 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'impotent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Did You Know?

A police department may be impotent to stop the flow of drugs into a neighborhood. A group of countries may be impotent to force another country to change its human-rights policies. The impotence of a prime minister may be shown by her inability to get an important piece of legislation passed. Impotent and impotence may also have a special meaning, when they refer to a man's inability to have sexual intercourse.