the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
n. Lack of power; inability.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
n. Powerlessness; impotence; feebleness.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
n. powerlessness revealed by an inability to act
Word Usage
"While less deference may be due now that the formal authority's impuissance has been exposed, this is not the time to mock, point fingers, or rest on our laurels."