Spanish Conversation · Level 11
90 words
Spanish word
impotente
Pronunciation
IPA/impoˈtente/
Meaning
- adjectivepowerless
Example
Me siento impotente ante esa situación.
I feel powerless in the face of that situation.
More examples
El médico se mostró impotente ante la enfermedad del paciente.
The doctor was powerless in the face of the patient's illness.
Core concept
Person pushing a stalled car that does not move.
Common phrases
sentirse impotente
feel powerless
resultar impotente para
be powerless to
Similar words
incapaz: Lacks the ability or skill to carry out an action.
inútil: Is not useful or effective for achieving a purpose.
indefenso: Has no means to defend oneself and is exposed to harm.
débil: Has little physical strength or stamina.
Definition in Spanish
Describe la falta de capacidad o eficacia para lograr un resultado o ejercer influencia en una situación; en contextos médicos puede referirse a la incapacidad eréctil.
Word origin
From Latin in- "not" + potens "powerful", meaning "without power", which explains its use both for lacking influence or efficacy and for certain medical inability.
Usage tips
- When applied to people it can sound harsh or clinical, so conversational alternatives include 'no poder', 'incapaz' or 'sin influencia'.