impotence

noun

im·​po·​tence ˈim-pə-tən(t)s How to pronounce impotence (audio)
: the quality or state of being impotent: such as
a
: lack of power, strength, or vigor : weakness
… the growing impotence of governments in the face of corporate willfulness and regional factionalism.Alan Wexelblat
b
: an abnormal physical or psychological state of a male characterized by inability to engage in sexual intercourse because of failure to have or maintain an erection : erectile dysfunction

Examples of impotence in a Sentence

the congressional committee's essential impotence in affecting the management of the war was frustrating to its members
Recent Examples on the Web Lead is dangerous for both children and adults, and can contribute to high blood pressure, kidney and brain damage, infertility, and impotence. Don Rauf, EverydayHealth.com, 13 Sep. 2024 There was, however, a sense of impotence amid the unity, public opinion having failed for months to move the nation’s political leadership. Orly Halpern / Jerusalem, TIME, 2 Sep. 2024 The subsequent economic meltdown, as well as the impotence and corruption of the Lebanese ruling class, triggered a protest movement against the political elite, including Hezbollah. Mohanad Hage Ali, Foreign Affairs, 26 July 2024 Lead is a neurotoxin known to cause irreversible long-term organ damage, lower IQs, higher risk for miscarriage, asthma, cardiovascular disease, impotence, and elevated blood pressure. Kff Health News, The Mercury News, 18 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for impotence 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'impotence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of impotence was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near impotence

Cite this Entry

“Impotence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impotence. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

impotence

noun
im·​po·​tence ˈim-pət-ən(t)s How to pronounce impotence (audio)
: the quality or state of being impotent

Medical Definition

impotence

noun
im·​po·​tence ˈim-pət-ən(t)s How to pronounce impotence (audio)
1
: the quality or state of not being potent
drug-resistant bacteria are a virulent indicator of the growing impotence of antibiotics
2
: an abnormal physical or psychological state of a male characterized by inability to engage in sexual intercourse because of failure to have or maintain an erection

called also erectile dysfunction

More from Merriam-Webster on impotence

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