impotent Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective lacking power or ability; morality without technology is impotent"- Freeman J.Dyson
    • Technology without morality is barbarous
    • felt impotent rage
  2. adjective (of a male) unable to copulate

WordNet


Im"po*tent adjective
Etymology
F. impotent, L. impotens, -entis; pref. im- not + potens potent, powerful. See Potent.
Definitions
  1. Not potent; wanting power, strength. or vigor. whether physical, intellectual, or moral; deficient in capacity; destitute of force; weak; feeble; infirm.
    There sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent inhis feet. Acts xiv. 8.
    O most lame and impotent conclusion! Shak.
    Not slow to hear, Nor impotent to save. Addison.
  2. Wanting the power of self-restraint; incontrolled; ungovernable; violent.
    Impotent of tongue, her silence broke. Dryden.
  3. (Med.) Wanting the power of procreation; unable to copulate; also, sometimes, sterile; barren.
Im"po*tent noun
Definitions
  1. One who is imoitent. R. Shak.

Webster 1913