How to pronounce impotent
Say it like IM-puh-tunt. Impotent has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (IM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce impotent. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- IM
- puh
- tunt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Impotent pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- IMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- puhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- tuntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of impotent
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: IM-puh-tunt.
What does impotent mean?
- Lacking physical strength or vigor; weak
- Lacking in power, as to act effectively; helpless
- Sterile
- A man who has erectile dysfunction
- An impotent or powerless person
Where does impotent come from?
From Old French impotent, from Latin impotēns, from in- (expresses negation) + potēns (“powerful”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying impotent
How do you pronounce impotent?
Say IM-puh-tunt. The American pronunciation is /ˈɪmpətənt/. In British English it is /ˈɪmpətənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in impotent?
Impotent has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (IM). Broken into parts: IM · puh · tunt.
Is impotent pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈɪmpətənt/ (IM-puh-tunt).