# impotent

/ˈɪmpətənt/ (US) · /ˈɪmpətənt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/impotent
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

feeling completely powerless or unable to change a situation. It describes the frustration of having no control over what is happening.

For teachers: lacking the power or ability to take effective action. Often describes a person's status or feelings in the face of systemic or overwhelming forces.

## Examples

- He felt impotent as he watched the storm destroy his garden.
- The local government felt impotent to stop the factory closure because the decision was made at a global headquarters.
- The protagonist is portrayed as an impotent observer of his own life, capable of identifying his mistakes but unable to summon the will to rectify them.

## Usage notes

- Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'feel', 'seem', or 'become'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.