impotence
noun
im·po·tence
ˈim-pə-tən(t)s 
: 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
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
Synonyms
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
But Harrelson capably channels his character’s impotence, unable to suppress his shame that his wife is becoming the breadwinner by writing catchy jingles.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 14 July 2024
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
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Tim Grierson, Vulture, 14 July 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for impotence
Dictionary Entries Near impotence
Cite this Entry
“Impotence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impotence. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
impotence
noun
im·po·tence
ˈim-pət-ən(t)s
: the quality or state of being impotent
Medical Definition
impotence
noun
im·po·tence
ˈim-pət-ən(t)s
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
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