IMPOTENCE Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

impotence

noun

ˈim-pə-tən(t)s

Definition of impotence

as in inability

the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means the congressional committee's essential impotence in affecting the management of the war was frustrating to its members

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of impotence The Iran and Gaza wars have thrown that absence and European strategic impotence into sharp relief. — Galip Dalay, Time, 7 July 2026 So imagine his feelings of impotence and rage when the boy is killed anyway, by an impossible arrow that finds its target through a tiny crack in a door and then, apparently, vanishes. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 21 May 2026 Decadence is sensuality and impotence, opulence and decay. — Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026 But these songs are also honest, sometimes despite themselves, about the feelings of impotence associated with watching history play out on a screen. — Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for impotence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for impotence

inability

Noun

Johnson’s mayoral tenure has been marked by an inability to work with Springfield, a skill deficiency displayed by his staunch allies at the teachers union and the aligned board members on the CBOE.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Indecisiveness and the inability to keep commitments are a widespread social problem, which has indeed led to the demise of private entertaining.

— Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of inability

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impostures

impotence

impotencies

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“Impotence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impotence. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of impotence

noun

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