impuissant

im·puis·sant

adj \-s^ənt, -sənt\

Definition of IMPUISSANT

: weak, powerless

Examples of IMPUISSANT

1. <claims that such restrictions on military interventions on foreign soil would render the nation an impuissant giant on the world stage>

Origin of IMPUISSANT

French

First Known Use: 1629

Related to IMPUISSANT

Synonyms: hamstrung, handcuffed, helpless, high and dry, hog-tied, impotent, powerless, paralyzed, weak

Antonyms: mighty, potent, powerful, puissant, strong

Related Words: incapable, incompetent, ineffective, ineffectual, inept, unfit, useless; feeble, frail, infirm, passive, spineless, supine, unaggressive

Near Antonyms: able, capable, competent, effective, efficient; authoritarian, autocratic (also autocratical), despotic, dictatorial, magisterial, tyrannical (also tyrannic); dominant, dynamic, energetic, forceful, robust, sturdy, tough, vigorous; important, major, significant; high-level, senior, top

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