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Definition of "impotent" []

  • Lacking physical strength or vigor; weak. (adjective)
  • Lacking in power, as to act effectively; helpless: "Technology without morality is barbarous; morality without technology is impotent” ( Freeman J. Dyson). (adjective)
  • Incapable of sexual intercourse, often because of an inability to achieve or sustain an erection. (adjective)
  • Sterile. Used of males. (adjective)
  • Obsolete Lacking self-restraint. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "impotent" in a sentence
  • "She sprang to her feet, wringing her hands in impotent wrath."
  • ""Eh, you old scoundrel," he added, turning to the old chief, who sat gibbering in impotent rage at the foot of the steps."
  • "The small group of soldiers screamed and waved their weapons in impotent rage, but most wept silently, clinging to loved ones, stoically awaiting their fate."