impotence

USAGE SUMMARY

'impotence' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to the inability to perform certain acts, such as sexual intercourse, or any general lack of power or ability. For example, you could say "John's impotence was a source of embarrassment for him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He chuckles as he reads how Tiens medicines are supposed to treat about a dozen different conditions each, from preventing cancer to reversing impotence to promoting "the growth of children's reproductive organs".

The Guardian

"It gave me a feeling of amazement and impotence," said Bregman, who took Bergoglio's declaration regarding Jalics and Yorio in 2010.

The Guardian

Obama said he was asking "every member of the global community" to consider what message impotence and inaction in the face of the use of chemical weapons would send to dictators everywhere.

The Guardian - Opinion

But telling the constituencies that they were naive and irresponsible did nothing to reconcile them to their political impotence.

The Guardian

Important as such steps could be to correcting labour market imbalances, it may prove little consolation to the 1.6 million Americans who have just lost long-term unemployment benefit due to Democratic impotence on Capitol Hill.

The Guardian

On Radio 4 on Monday morning, William Hague ("It's not all about us") was a study in well-mannered diplomatic impotence.

The Guardian

The man is Brown himself, known in his youth as handsome, but here modelling the kind of sullen impotence you might see on a clever young man who has come down in the world.

The Guardian - Arts

This proved electrifying.It suited the ANC to make a messiah, and if necessary a myth, out of Mr Mandela, first to galvanise the masses at home, then to keep spirits up during the long years of repression, military impotence and political hopelessness.

The Economist

A survey of research sponsored by Britain's National Health Service suggests that radical prostatectomy (cutting it out) causes incontinence in as many as 27% of patients and impotence in as many as 85% of them (though many surgeons claim much better averages).

The Economist

The packet didn't just warn smokers of the risk of impotence, it illustrated the danger with a bent cigarette, hanging limply.Even the most ardent liberal is happy for governments to provide information or force others to do so.

The Economist

It is not that long, after all, since commentators were panicking not about the impotence of the presidency but about Mr Bush's war on terrorism invigorating an "imperial presidency" at the expense of Congress, civil liberties and the courts.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In medical contexts, be sensitive when using "impotence", especially when referring to individuals. Consider using more clinical terms like "erectile dysfunction" for greater sensitivity and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "impotence" when the situation involves a lack of motivation or interest. "Impotence" refers to a lack of power or ability, whereas apathy indicates a lack of concern or feeling. Someone might be powerful but apathetic, or concerned but impotent. Use the words in their correct contexts.

Linguistic Context

The noun "impotence" functions to denote a state of lacking power, strength, or effectiveness. It is used to describe the inability to influence events, exert control, or achieve desired outcomes. As seen in Ludwig, this term can apply to individuals, organizations, or even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "impotence" is a grammatically sound noun widely employed to denote a lack of power, ability, or effectiveness. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's suitable across various contexts, from describing medical conditions to critiquing political failures. While alternatives like "powerlessness" and "ineffectiveness" exist, "impotence" offers a specific connotation of diminished capability. It is frequently encountered in News & Media. Remember to use "impotence" precisely, differentiating it from similar concepts such as apathy or helplessness, to ensure clarity in your writing. Consider the context and audience to determine if less clinical alternatives are preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

powerlessness

Direct synonym, emphasizing the lack of ability to influence or control.

ineffectiveness

Highlights the inability to produce the desired result.

helplessness

Focuses on the feeling of being unable to help oneself or others.

incapacity

Emphasizes the lack of legal or physical ability to do something.

inability

A general term for lacking the power or means to do something.

futility

Highlights the pointlessness of effort due to a lack of power or resources.

weakness

Implies a lack of strength or force, leading to ineffectiveness.

failure

Focuses on the unsuccessful outcome resulting from a lack of power or ability.

inadequacy

Stresses the lack of sufficient qualities to meet a requirement.

sterility

Specifically refers to the inability to reproduce, but can also metaphorically describe a lack of creativity or productivity.

FAQs

How can I use "impotence" in a sentence?

You can use "impotence" to describe a lack of power or effectiveness. For example, "The government's "impotence" in addressing the crisis led to widespread discontent."

What's a more formal way to say "impotence"?

In more formal contexts, consider using "ineffectiveness", "incapacity", or "powerlessness" as alternatives to "impotence".

Is "impotence" only used in a medical context?

No, while "impotence" can refer to erectile dysfunction, it's also used more broadly to describe a lack of power or ability in various situations, such as political or economic contexts.

What's the difference between "impotence" and "helplessness"?

"Impotence" refers to a lack of power or ability to act, while "helplessness" refers to the feeling of being unable to help oneself. You can be impotent without feeling helpless, and vice versa.