Synonyms of impotence

impotence

noun

ˈim-pə-tən(t)s 

as in inability

the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• inability
• powerlessness
• incapacity
• incompetence
• ineptitude
• incompetency
• incapability
• inadequacy
• insufficiency
• disqualification
• ineffectiveness
• inefficacy
• inefficiency
• inaptitude
• ineffectualness
• ineffectuality
• inefficaciousness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• potency
• ability
• competence
• capacity
• adequacy
• capability
• competency
• gift
• efficiency
• effectiveness
• talent
• endowment
• genius
• aptitude
• flair
• bent
• knack
• power
• strength
• potency
• suitability
• fitness
• effectualness
• efficaciousness
• suitableness
• puissance
• sinew

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of impotence

The Iran and Gaza wars have thrown that absence and European strategic impotence into sharp relief. — Galip Dalay, Time, 7 July 2026

So imagine his feelings of impotence and rage when the boy is killed anyway, by an impossible arrow that finds its target through a tiny crack in a door and then, apparently, vanishes. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 21 May 2026

Decadence is sensuality and impotence, opulence and decay. — Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026

But these songs are also honest, sometimes despite themselves, about the feelings of impotence associated with watching history play out on a screen. — Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2026