Impotent — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈim-pə-tənt/ im·po·tent

Meaning & Definition of Impotent

Impotent (adjective)

  1. not potent, lacking in power, strength, or vigor, helpless
  2. unable to engage in sexual intercourse because of inability to have and maintain an erection; broadly, sterile
  3. incapable of self-restraint, ungovernable

Impotent (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. not able to produce fruit or offspring

    "most mules are impotent"

    similar: barren, fruitless, infertile, sterile, unfruitful
    related: altered, desexed, neutered, sterilized, castrated, emasculated, gelded, spayed, unproductive
    opposite: fat, fertile, fruitful
    near: fecund, luxuriant, productive, prolific, enriched, fertilized, rich, impregnated, pregnant, potent, bearing, producing, yielding, blooming, bursting, flourishing, swarming, teeming

  2. unable to act or achieve one's purpose

    "an impotent ruler who was just a figurehead"

    similar: hamstrung, handcuffed, helpless, high and dry, hog-tied, impuissant, paralyzed, powerless, weak
    related: incapable, incompetent, ineffective, ineffectual, inept, unfit, useless, feeble, frail, infirm, passive, spineless, supine, unaggressive
    opposite: mighty, potent, powerful, puissant, strong
    near: able, capable, competent, effective, efficient, authoritarian, autocratic, despotic, dictatorial, magisterial, tyrannical, dominant, dynamic, energetic, forceful, robust, sturdy, tough, vigorous, important, major, significant, high-level, senior, top

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Impotent

The most common words with a similar meaning to Impotent:

barren, fruitless, infertile, sterile, unfruitful, hamstrung, handcuffed, helpless, high and dry, hog-tied, impuissant, paralyzed, powerless, weak

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Impotent

Words with the opposite meaning of Impotent:

fat, fertile, fruitful, mighty, potent, powerful, puissant, strong

Related Words for Impotent

altered, desexed, neutered, sterilized, castrated, emasculated, gelded, spayed, unproductive, incapable, incompetent, ineffective, ineffectual, inept, unfit, useless, feeble, frail, infirm, passive, spineless, supine, unaggressive

Near Antonyms of Impotent

fecund, luxuriant, productive, prolific, enriched, fertilized, rich, impregnated, pregnant, bearing, producing, yielding, blooming, bursting, flourishing, swarming, teeming, able, capable, competent, effective, efficient, authoritarian, autocratic, despotic, dictatorial, magisterial, tyrannical, dominant, dynamic

Word Forms of Impotent

Derived words: impotent (noun), impotently (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Impotent

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin impotent-, impotens, from in- + potent-, potens potent

First known use: 14th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Impotent

What does "Impotent" mean?

"Impotent" means not potent, lacking in power, strength, or vigor, helpless. As an adjective, it is defined as: not potent, lacking in power, strength, or vigor, helpless. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Impotent"?

Other words for "Impotent" include barren, fruitless, infertile, sterile, unfruitful, hamstrung, handcuffed and helpless. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Impotent" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Impotent"?

There are 37 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Impotent". Common alternatives include barren, fruitless, infertile, sterile, unfruitful, hamstrung, handcuffed, helpless, high and dry and hog-tied.

What is the opposite of "Impotent"?

Antonyms of "Impotent" include fat, fertile, fruitful, mighty, potent, powerful, puissant and strong. Near antonyms include fecund, luxuriant, productive and prolific.

How do you use "Impotent" in a sentence?

Examples of "Impotent" in a sentence: "most mules are impotent"; "an impotent ruler who was just a figurehead".

Is "Impotent" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Impotent" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Impotent"?

"Impotent" is pronounced /ˈim-pə-tənt/ and divided into syllables as im·po·tent.

What is the origin of the word "Impotent"?

"Impotent" comes from Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin impotent-, impotens, from in- + potent-, potens potent. First known use: 14th century.