Lacking in power, as to act effectively; helpless: "Technology without morality is barbarous; morality without technology is impotent"(Freeman J. Dyson).
Incapable of sexual intercourse, often because of an inability to achieve or sustain an erection.
Sterile. Used of males.
Obsolete Lacking self-restraint.
[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin impotēns, impotent- : in-, not; see in-1 + potēns, potent; see potent.]
1390, "physically weak," from O.Fr. impotent "powerless," from L. imponentem (nom. impotens) "lacking control, powerless," from in- "not" + ponentem (nom. potens) "potent." Meaning "having no power to accomplish anything" is from 1444; that of "completely lacking in sexual power" is from 1594 (implied in impotency).
lacking power or ability; "Technology without morality is barbarous; morality without technology is impotent"- Freeman J.Dyson; "felt impotent rage" [ant: potent]
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This Main Entry: im·po·tent Pronunciation: 'im-p&t-&nt Function: adjective 1: not potent impotent vaccine> 2: unable to engage in sexual intercourse because of inability to have and maintain an erection; broadly:STERILE —usually used of males
Im"po*tence\, Impotency \Im"po*ten*cy\, n. [L. impotenia inability, poverty, want of moderation. See Impotent.]1. The quality or condition of being impotent; want of strength or power, animal, intellectual, or moral; weakness; feebleness; inability; imbecility. Some were poor by impotency of nature; as young fatherless children, old decrepit persons, idiots, and cripples. --Hayward. O, impotence of mind in body strong! --Milton. 2. Want of self-restraint or self-control. [R.] --Milton. 3. (Law & Med.) Want of procreative power; inability to copulate, or beget children; also, sometimes, sterility; barrenness.
Im"po*tent\, a. [F. impotent, L. impotens, -entis; pref. im- not + potens potent, powerful. See Potent.]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.
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