1 impuissance | Definition of impuissance
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impuissance

noun
im·​puis·​sance | \ (ËŒ)im-ˈpwi-sᵊn(t)s How to pronounce impuissance (audio) , (ËŒ)im-ˈpyü-É™-sÉ™n(t)s; ËŒim-pyü-ˈi-sᵊn(t)s How to pronounce impuissance (audio) \

Definition of impuissance

: weakness, powerlessness

Examples of impuissance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 But all of that will be moot if Washington’s rushing attack is not significantly improved from the impuissance of last season. — Ben Baskin, SI.com, "Can Alex Smith Turn Around Washington’s Misfortunes? Players, Coaches and Fans Are Hopeful," 14 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'impuissance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of impuissance

15th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for impuissance

Middle English, from Middle French, from in- + puissance puissance, power

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