impotence

noun

im·​po·​tence ˈim-pə-tən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being impotent: such as

a

: lack of power, strength, or vigor : weakness

… the growing impotence of governments in the face of corporate willfulness and regional factionalism.

—Alan Wexelblat

b

: an abnormal physical or psychological state of a male characterized by inability to engage in sexual intercourse because of failure to have or maintain an erection : erectile dysfunction

Synonyms

• inability
• inadequacy
• incapability
• incapacity
• incompetence
• incompetency
• ineptitude
• insufficiency
• powerlessness

Examples of impotence in a Sentence

the congressional committee's essential impotence in affecting the management of the war was frustrating to its members

Recent Examples on the Web

Jack Harrison squandered one promising position with a pass that dribbled through to Caoimhin Kelleher, a metaphor for their impotence during the evening. —Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025

If the first terrorist attack against Charlie Hebdo was an unfortunate failure on the part of French security, the second in the Bataclan was a sign of systemic impotence. —Camille Pecastaing, Foreign Affairs, 15 July 2016

The response is similar concerning United’s impotence in front of goal. —Laurie Whitwell, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025

The local government’s impotence reflects a broader dynamic in Iraq: Baghdad’s reliance on Shiite militias has allowed those groups to gain undue power. —Vera Mironova, Foreign Affairs, 3 Nov. 2016

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

impotence

noun

im·​po·​tence ˈim-pət-ən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being impotent

Medical Definition

impotence

noun

im·​po·​tence ˈim-pət-ən(t)s 

1

: the quality or state of not being potent

drug-resistant bacteria are a virulent indicator of the growing impotence of antibiotics

2

: an abnormal physical or psychological state of a male characterized by inability to engage in sexual intercourse because of failure to have or maintain an erection

called also erectile dysfunction