impuissance

powerlessness

noun ahn-pwee-SAHNS Rare

Also means

impotence

Usage Note

Impuissance describes a feeling of helplessness or inability to act, and is used both in everyday emotional contexts ('a sense of powerlessness') and in more formal political or medical writing. The related adjective is impuissant (powerless, helpless). In a medical register it specifically refers to erectile dysfunction; context disambiguates.

Examples

"Il ressentait une profonde impuissance face à la situation."

Natural Translation

He felt a deep powerlessness in the face of the situation.

Related Words

Explore French by topic

FrenchNow

French Adjective Placement: Before or After the Noun?

French adjectives usually follow the noun, but a small common set goes before it — and a few change meaning depending on which side they sit. Here's the rule.

June 4, 2026 5 min read

FrenchNow

French Filler Words: Euh, Bah, Du Coup, Quoi

French filler words like euh, bah, du coup, and quoi make you sound fluent, not lazy. Learn what each one does, where it goes, and how to use them naturally.

June 4, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

The Bonjour Rule: French Etiquette for Visitors

Always say bonjour before you ask, order, or pay in France — the unspoken rule that opens every door. A respectful visitor's guide to French etiquette.

June 4, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

Telling Time in French: Hours, Quarters, 24-Hour

Telling time in French means Il est cinq heures, et quart, et demie, and the 24-hour clock like quatorze heures trente. Read any French schedule.

June 4, 2026 5 min read