he is impotent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is impotent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing physical inability, particularly in medical or psychological discussions regarding sexual health. Example: "After a thorough examination, the doctor informed him that he is impotent and discussed possible treatment options."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Then he is impotent.

The New Yorker

This lover of letters has "no music in himself": as a literary ravisher, he is impotent.

The Guardian - Books

When a stable girl attempts to seduce Alan, he is impotent in the presence of the horses and blinds them in a fit of uncontrolled anger and guilt.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hal-Finn (Lars Kaalund), a soccer-obsessed restaurant manager, has been fired for insulting his clients, while Jorgen Mortensen (Peter Gantzler) is a hotel receptionist whose failure with women has convinced him that he is impotent.

The New York Times

Wan bedroom scenes with Clyde seem to be saying that he is impotent, though the hints look to me more like the movies' way of misrepresenting a character who is really homosexual.

The New Yorker

Fresh semen is obtained from the husband (if he is impotent) or from some other male donor (if the husband is sterile) and is introduced by a syringe into the woman's vagina or cervix during the middle of her menstrual cycle.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

And he's impotent".

The New Yorker

She confirmed that he was impotent, and possibly homosexual.

The Economist

Maybe he was old, maybe he was impotent, maybe he didn't feed her," he added.

The New York Times

At least one of the women who worshiped him claimed that he was impotent.

The New York Times - Arts

Only on their honeymoon, in December 1938, did Priscilla discover he was impotent.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he is impotent", consider your audience and the context. In formal or medical settings, it is acceptable. In casual conversation, consider more sensitive alternatives like "he has erectile dysfunction".

Common error

Avoid using "he is impotent" as a casual insult or to describe someone's general ineffectiveness. This can be insensitive and inaccurate; instead, use terms like "ineffectual" or "powerless" if you mean lacking influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is impotent" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating a state of either physical inability (specifically, erectile dysfunction) or a metaphorical lack of power/effectiveness. Ludwig AI's analysis shows that this phrase is usable in written English, as supported by various examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is impotent" is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, though it is essential to consider the potential for misinterpretation or insensitivity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English, with examples drawn from news, encyclopedias, and scientific sources. While the phrase can denote a literal medical condition, it is also used metaphorically to describe a lack of power or effectiveness. When using this phrase, be mindful of your audience and the context to ensure clarity and avoid causing offense. Alternative phrases, such as "he has erectile dysfunction" or "he is ineffectual", may be more appropriate in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is unable to perform sexually

This alternative is a more clinical and direct way to express the inability to engage in sexual activity.

he suffers from erectile dysfunction

This alternative specifically describes the medical condition related to achieving or maintaining an erection.

he lacks sexual power

This alternative uses a more figurative approach, emphasizing a lack of virility or sexual prowess.

he is sexually dysfunctional

This alternative is a broad term encompassing various sexual performance issues.

he is unmanned

This alternative is a more archaic and metaphorical way of describing impotence, suggesting a loss of masculinity.

he is ineffectual

This suggests a general inability to produce a desired effect, extending the meaning beyond the physical.

he is powerless

This emphasizes a lack of influence or control in a given situation, metaphorical of impotence.

he is weak

This describes a general lack of strength or capacity, loosely related to the idea of impotence.

he is unproductive

This focuses on a lack of output or results, drawing a parallel to the inability to procreate.

he is barren

While typically used for land or women, this word can metaphorically suggest a lack of fertility or creative potential in a man.

FAQs

What does "he is impotent" mean?

The phrase "he is impotent" typically refers to a male's inability to achieve or maintain an erection, or more broadly, a lack of power or effectiveness in a given situation. It's crucial to consider the context in which the phrase is used.

What can I say instead of "he is impotent" if I want to be more sensitive?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "he has erectile dysfunction", "he is unable to perform sexually", "he is ineffectual", or "he is powerless".

Is it appropriate to use "he is impotent" in formal writing?

Yes, "he is impotent" can be appropriate in formal or medical writing when discussing the specific condition of impotence. However, always consider your audience and the potential for misinterpretation.

Can "he is impotent" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "he is impotent" can be used metaphorically to describe a lack of power or effectiveness. However, be mindful of the potential for insensitivity, and consider alternatives like "he is ineffectual" or "he is powerless" depending on the intended meaning.