What does impotence mean?
Impotence denotes a lack of power, capacity, or effectiveness. Its most familiar sense is the inability to engage in sexual intercourse, a subject commonly discussed in medical and legal contexts. The word can also describe a person or institution that lacks the power to act effectively, as in references to political or economic impotence. Here, it usually conveys more than simple limitation: it suggests an inability to produce meaningful action or change. “Impotent,” the corresponding adjective, is often more natural in general language, particularly in expressions such as an impotent response or an impotent organization. Although the sexual sense dominates modern usage, the broader history of the word preserves its original association with powerlessness. Derived from Latin, the term can therefore be understood either physically or figuratively depending on context.
nounLack of power, ability, or effectiveness to act; especially, the inability to engage in sexual intercourse.
- The inability to engage in sexual intercourse.
- Lack of power, influence, or capacity to act effectively.
"The drug was found to be effective without causing sexual impotence in most patients."
"A specialist explained the causes and treatment options for male sexual impotence."
"The committee condemned the administrative impotence that had allowed the problem to worsen."
The plural is grammatically possible but rarely used, as the word is normally uncounted or appears in the singular.
"The play examines several forms of personal and political impotences."
Its name comes from Latin for “powerlessness”—sexual inability is only its most familiar modern sense.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does impotence come from?
The word comes through French from Latin “impotentia,” meaning powerlessness or incapacity. Its ultimate root is the Latin “potens,” meaning powerful or able, which also underlies potent, potency, and potential. English began using the word in the general sense of powerlessness before the sexual sense became its predominant modern application.
Related word forms
How impotence is actually used
In medical contexts, the word is primarily associated with the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. In broader discussion it can refer to political, economic, or institutional ineffectiveness, often with a critical or rhetorical tone. The related adjective “impotent” is more common than the noun in general use.
Easily confused with impotence
Impotence means powerlessness or inability to act, whereas importance means significance, value, or influence.