Search Dictionary
Definition of impotent

impotent

/ˈɪm.pə.tənt/
im · po · tent
Adverb:impotently
JUMP TO:

impotent Lexical Profile

impotent Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Unable to take effective action; helpless or powerless.

Example

"The committee felt completely impotent in the face of the sudden economic crisis."

2

Unable to achieve or maintain an erection, or unable to copulate (used of a male).

Example

"Certain blood pressure medications can cause patients to become temporarily impotent as a side effect."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for impotent
Antonyms
View all antonyms for impotent

• Nearby Words

impossibly
impostor
impotence
impotent
impotently
impound
impoundment

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in Middle English from Old French impotent, from Latin impotens ('powerless, weak'), formed from the negative prefix in- ('not') and potens ('powerful, able').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Impotent. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/impotent
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.