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 of impotence

• inability

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

Advertisement At that very historical moment, however, during the 1970s and early 1980s, reforms on Capitol Hill—designed to promote transparency and empower junior members—paved the way for Congress’ current impotence. —Time, 7 Nov. 2025

The bulk of Jack’s patents were for medical devices, among them a knife used for hair transplants and a prosthetic device for overcoming male impotence. —Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025

Among them: a device to transplant leg arteries, another to chisel the middle bone of a nose, a special knife used in hair transplants and a prosthetic aimed at overcoming male impotence, according to the Herald. —Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 30 Sep. 2025

That’s one full game of brilliance, and another full game of impotence. —Zach Berman, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025

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