Meaning of impotent in English

1. Pronunciation

   /ˈɪmpətnt/

   US accent

   How to pronounce impotent in American English, in context ▾
   Use the controls below to browse different examples of pronunciation.

   UK accent

   How to pronounce impotent in British English, in context ▾
   Use the controls below to browse different examples of pronunciation.

1. Qualitative Adjective

   impotent

   Etymology

   late Middle English: via Old French from Latin impotent-‘powerless’, from in-‘not’ + potent- (see potent)

   Definitions

   1. lacking power or ability

   Examples

   • « Technology without morality is barbarous »
   • « morality without technology is impotent- Freeman J.Dyson »
   • « felt impotent rage »

   Synonyms

   • ineffective
   • ineffectual
   • unable
   • weak

   Antonyms

   • potent
   • strong
2. 2. (of a male) unable to copulate

   Antonyms

   • potent
   • virile