Lacking in power, as to act effectively; helpless: “Technology without morality is barbarous; morality without technology is impotent” (Freeman J. Dyson)
If someone feels impotent, they feel that they have no power to influence people or events. The aggression of a bully leaves people feeling hurt, angry and impotent = powerless
Lacking in power, as to act effectively; helpless: "Technology without morality is barbarous; morality without technology is impotent" (Freeman J. Dyson)
[ 'im-p&-t&nt ] (adjective.) 14th century. Middle English, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, from Latin impotent-, impotens, from in- + potent-, potens potent.