adj.
Pronunciation: ' im-p ə -t ə nt
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin impotent-, impotens, from in- + potent-, potens potent
Date: 14th century
1 a : not potent : lacking in power, strength, or vigor : HELPLESS b : unable to engage in sexual intercourse because of inability to have and maintain an erection broadly : STERILE
2 obsolete : incapable of self-restraint : UNGOVERNABLE
– impotent noun
– im · po · tent · ly adverb