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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Synonyms & Antonyms for impotent

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Examples of impotent in a Sentence

an impotent ruler who was just a figurehead

Recent Examples on the Web Among the false assertions in wide circulation are that the vaccines make people impotent, are worthless because some vaccinated people become infected, or even lead to death. — Jon Cohen, Science | AAAS, 19 May 2021 When June confronts her about it, Mrs. Keyes confides that the impotent Commander Keyes invites other Gilead men over to rape her in hopes of having a child. — Amanda Ostuni, EW.com, 28 Apr. 2021 But leaky goaltending, an impotent power play, scoring droughts and simply too many nights off mentally cost them. — Ross Mckeon, San Francisco Chronicle, 26 Apr. 2021 While some of his ministers still live in Yemen, Hadi remains holed up in Riyadh, a mostly impotent encumbrance to his backers, his value limited to his (unopposed) election, and the aura of democracy that confers on his government. — Nic Robertson, Nada Bashir And Charbel Mallo, CNN, 23 Apr. 2021 The Stars have been famously impotent in overtime this season, going 1-6 in games that end in overtime (plus 2-6 in shootouts). — Matthew Defranks, Dallas News, 21 Apr. 2021 Cassie pursues the vigilante justice the trailer promises, but her attempts feel oddly impotent. — Jenny Singer, Glamour, 20 Apr. 2021 The problem is clear—substantial government reforms in the face of impotent majority opposition can destabilize a democracy. — David French, Time, 23 Mar. 2021 Then, with the click of a button, the original data can be immediately rolled back to its pre-attack state, essentially rendering ransomware threats impotent. — Yuen Pin Yeap, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2021

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.