Impotence: meaning, definitions and examples

❌

Add to dictionary

impotence

[ˈɪmpətəns ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

medical

Lack of power or ability; weakness. In a medical context, impotence refers to the inability to achieve or maintain an erection.

Synonyms

inability, powerlessness, weakness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
impotence	This term is often used in medical or psychological contexts to describe the inability to achieve an erection or have children, and it might also mean a lack of power or effectiveness in a broader sense. It can have a negative connotation. He felt a sense of impotence when he couldn't help his friend. The medication helped to treat his impotence.
inability	This word is used to describe the lack of ability to perform a specific task or action. It is a neutral term and can be applied to various contexts, such as skills, tasks, or functions. Her inability to swim meant she couldn't join the team. The inability to solve the problem frustrated him.
powerlessness	This term reflects a lack of power or control over a situation, often leading to feelings of helplessness. It can be used in both personal and broader social or political contexts. They felt a sense of powerlessness against the forces of nature. The community's powerlessness in the face of the corporation's decisions was disheartening.
weakness	Typically used to describe a lack of strength or force, either physically, emotionally, or in terms of skills. It has a broader application and can refer to both people and things. His weakness was evident after being ill for so long. Emotional weakness can sometimes make it difficult to handle stress.

Examples of usage

He suffered from impotence after the accident.
Impotence can be a side effect of certain medications.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

formal

Lack of effectiveness or persuasiveness; powerlessness. It can also refer to the inability of a man to procreate.

Synonyms

helplessness, ineffectiveness, infertility.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
impotence	This term is often used in medical or psychological contexts to refer to a man's inability to achieve an erection or maintain it. It can also be used metaphorically for lack of power or ability to act effectively in a situation. The patient was diagnosed with impotence and prescribed medication. The government's impotence in dealing with the crisis was evident.
ineffectiveness	This term is commonly used to describe something or someone that fails to produce the desired outcome or is not successful. It often refers to actions, methods, or interventions rather than people. The ineffectiveness of the new policy became evident after the first quarter. Despite the efforts, his actions proved ineffective in resolving the issue.
helplessness	This word is used to describe a feeling of being unable to do anything to improve a situation. It often conveys emotional distress and a sense of being overwhelmed. She felt a deep sense of helplessness when she saw the damage caused by the storm. His helplessness in the face of the tragedy was heartbreaking.
infertility	This term is primarily used in a medical context to describe the inability to conceive children. It can also extend to metaphorical uses, describing situations where growth or productivity is not achievable. The couple sought medical advice after years of struggling with infertility. The infertility of the soil made farming difficult in the region.

Examples of usage

His argument was met with impotence by the audience.
Impotence in this context means the failure to achieve fertilization.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term comes from the Latin word 'impotentia', which means 'lack of power or strength'.
In ancient medicine, impotence was often associated with broader health problems rather than just a sexual issue.

Medical Insights

Over 30 million men in the United States experience this condition, highlighting its prevalence.
It can result from physical issues, like heart disease, diabetes, or hormonal imbalances, as well as psychological factors.

Cultural References

Literature and films often portray characters dealing with this condition to address themes of masculinity and vulnerability.
Across cultures, discussions about it can vary, with some being more open than others regarding the topic, heavily influenced by societal norms.

Psychological Factors

Stress, anxiety, and depression can exacerbate difficulties related to this condition, showcasing the link between mental health and physical health.
Counseling and therapy have been found effective in addressing the psychological aspects of this condition.

Treatment and Awareness

There are various treatment options available, including medications, therapy, and lifestyle changes that can help improve the condition.
Raising awareness about it encourages men to seek help and reduces stigma around sexual health issues.

Translations

Translations of the word "impotence" in other languages:

🇵🇹 impotência

🇮🇳 नपुंसकता

🇩🇪 Impotenz

🇮🇩 impotensi

🇺🇦 імпотенція

🇵🇱 impotencja

🇯🇵 インポテンス (inpotensu)

🇫🇷 impuissance

🇪🇸 impotencia

🇹🇷 iktidarsızlık

🇰🇷 발기 부전 (balgi bujeon)

🇸🇦 عجز جنسي (ʿajz jinsī)

🇨🇿 impotence

🇸🇰 impotencia

🇨🇳 阳痿 (yáng wěi)

🇸🇮 impotenca

🇮🇸 getuleysi

🇰🇿 импотенция

🇬🇪 უნაყოფობა (unakhoqoba)

🇦🇿 impotensiya

🇲🇽 impotencia

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,424, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
15421 sprinkle
15422 tints
15423 headlong
15424 impotence
15425 rebirth
15426 lymphoid
15427 egalitarian
...