impotent

adjective

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im·po·tent | \ ˈim-pə-tənt

Definition of impotent

1a : 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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Examples of impotent in a Sentence

an impotent ruler who was just a figurehead

Recent Examples on the Web With political institutions impotent or indifferent, disillusionment becomes pervasive. — Samuel Goldman, The Week, 18 May 2022 On the other hand, why these expressions of impotent outrage? — Alex Shephard, The New Republic, 25 May 2022 Foiled again by an impotent offensive performance, they were shut out for the third time in their last five games at American Family Field, this time by a score of 10-0 at the hands of the Philadelphia Phillies. — Todd Rosiak, Journal Sentinel, 8 June 2022 In truth, the technocrats and the managers are almost always impotent in the face of the authoritarian state. — Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 16 May 2022 Kliff Kingsbury is 8-17 over the final eight games of the season and playoffs in his NFL career, which includes an impotent 34-11 Wild Card loss last January. — Jeremy Cluff, The Arizona Republic, 11 May 2022 As international order frays, the U.N. is focused on enlarging impotent bureaucracies and encouraging malevolent ideological campaigns. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, 27 Dec. 2021 Will Bolsonaro’s administration be able to provide an important rather than an impotent reason? — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 18 Apr. 2022 To date, federal legislative efforts to protect the rights of millions to vote have been impotent. — Abdul El-sayed, The New Republic, 10 Mar. 2022 See More

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.