Impotent Meaning in English
word
Definition
Lacking the power or ability to take effective action; helpless. Can also refer to a medical condition, but in general usage it means unable to influence or change a situation.
Usage & Nuances
Be careful with this word — its medical meaning (sexual dysfunction) can make it awkward in some contexts. In formal/literary writing, 'impotent rage' or 'impotent fury' are common collocations meaning anger that cannot be acted upon. 'Powerless' is a safer synonym in casual speech.
Example Sentences
The government seemed impotent in the face of the growing crisis.
basic
He felt impotent rage building inside him, knowing there was nothing he could do.
basic
Without funding, the organization was impotent to carry out its mission.
basic
We stood there watching the flood waters rise, completely impotent to stop it.
natural
Laws are impotent if there's no one to enforce them.
natural
She felt an impotent frustration at being ignored every time she raised the issue.
natural