impotent

adjective

ˈim-pə-tənt How to pronounce impotent (audio)
Definition of impotentnext
1
as in sterile
not able to produce fruit or offspring most mules are impotent

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in helpless
unable to act or achieve one's purpose an impotent ruler who was just a figurehead

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of impotent Decadence is the vanity of bodybuilders made impotent by steroids. — Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026 The Iranian regime is being rendered impotent. — FOXNews.com, 19 Mar. 2026 Even in places that offer highly advanced health care, doctors have felt impotent trying to undo the damage when these horrors return. — Patricia Callahan, ProPublica, 19 Mar. 2026 This unsettling thriller about impotent (emotionally, literally) university professor Ali (Turkish star Ekin Koç), on the path to vengeance after the suspicious death of his mother, scored strong reviews (including my own) and the World Cinema Directing Award out of the Utah festival. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 14 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impotent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impotent
  1. sterile
  2. helpless
  3. barren
  4. paralyzed
  5. weak
Adjective
  • Fahmy says these elements can impart a warmth that makes a space feel less sterile.
    — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 2026
  • Some arrive in sterile-looking vials, often promoted by fitness influencers.
    — Robert Glatter, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of sterile
Adjective
  • The blast rings out as the helpless attorney watches in horror.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 22 July 2026
  • Schiavio is slipped in on the right and his first-time shot goes in off the crossbar with Planicka a mere, helpless spectator.
    — Adam Hurrey, New York Times, 17 July 2026
Definition of helpless
Adjective
  • The primary targets are obvious; pitchers Mason Miller, Adrian Morejon and Michael King could be deployed to replenish a largely barren farm system.
    — Dennis Lin, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • In many cases, trees that in years past have been filled with fruit are this year barren.
    — Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
Definition of barren
Adjective
  • The egg hatches into a legless larva that consumes the paralyzed insect.
    — Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026
  • Before the operation, Marc said he and his wife, Adie, were warned their son could lose his sight or become paralyzed.
    — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026
Definition of paralyzed
Adjective
  • Even durable bouclé material won’t save a sofa built on a weak foundation.
    — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
  • Further, the hinge mechanism provides a bit more assistance, and the magnets are a bit weaker, reducing the force needed to open the phone by half.
    — Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 22 July 2026
Definition of weak

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Cite this Entry

“Impotent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impotent. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of impotent for Spanish Speakers

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