Word
impotence
Phoneticsim·po·tence, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɪmpətəns/
UK/ˈɪmpətəns/
Definition
n. the inability to perform a specific task or achieve a goal. It can also describe a lack of power or strength in a person or thing.
n. the state of being unable to perform a specific function or achieve a desired result. Often used in political or medical contexts to describe a lack of authority or physical capability.
Examples
“The new law caused a sense of political impotence among the citizens.”
“The team's lack of a clear strategy led to a feeling of professional impotence during the final quarter.”
“The sudden collapse of the central bank's reserves created a climate of economic impotence, leaving the government unable to intervene without triggering a full-scale panic.”
Examples
simple
“The new law caused a sense of political impotence among the citizens.”
contextual
“The team's lack of a clear strategy led to a feeling of professional impotence during the final quarter.”
complex
“The sudden collapse of the central bank's reserves created a climate of economic impotence, leaving the government unable to intervene without triggering a full-scale panic.”
Real-World Examples
“The impotence of the Israeli military, the scale of the assault and the injuries inflicted on Israeli security officers by settlers prompted unusually harsh condemnation from Israeli politicians and commenters.” Etymology
From Middle French impotence, from Latin impotentia.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/impotence