as in helpless
unable to act or achieve one's purpose
claims that such restrictions on military interventions on foreign soil would render the nation an impuissant giant on the world stage
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Recent Examples of impuissant
The failsafe option of fake news
Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the impuissant opposition, settled down in a comfortable chair, and readied himself for his regular, televised roasting.
—
Isobel Thompson, The Hive, 5 Apr. 2017
Isobel Thompson, The Hive, 5 Apr. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impuissant
Adjective
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Sharks often become bycatch – entangled in fishing nets not intended for them, they are rendered helpless and face certain death.—
Charlotte Reck,
CNN Money,
9 June 2026
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After having put Brazil ahead minutes earlier, Richarlison popped a cross from Vinícius Júnior into the air, spun, and struck a spectacular acrobatic volley past Serbia’s helpless goalkeeper.—
Gitanjali Roy,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
9 June 2026
Adjective
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McConnell has always appeared to have a somewhat unsteady gate — a childhood bout of polio left him with a partially paralyzed leg.—
Eric McDaniel,
NPR,
14 June 2026
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Your stomach isn’t literally paralyzed — but it’s slowed down enough to cause real problems.—
Ryan Brennan,
Sacbee.com,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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Still-high youth unemployment as well as weak social security systems further weigh on consumption.—
John Liu,
CNN Money,
11 Dec. 2025
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That would make the hierarchy and Slot look weak if the rift with Salah isn’t resolved before Saturday.—
Joe Prince-Wright,
NBC news,
11 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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The drought that has plagued much of the Chesapeake Bay’s watershed during the first half of this year is causing strains to drinking water supplies, hurting crop output and leaving many rafters and boaters high and dry.—
Jeremy Cox,
Baltimore Sun,
27 May 2026
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Your plants are left high and dry and unexpectedly wither away.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
24 May 2026
Adjective
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White, who was taken into custody by federal agents, was later found incompetent to stand trial on hijacking and murder charges.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
11 June 2026
-
Bell, as expected, found Brown mentally incompetent.—
Julia Coin
June 11,
Charlotte Observer,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Impuissant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impuissant. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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