powerless

adjective

pow·​er·​less ˈpau̇(-ə)r-ləs 

1

: devoid of strength or resources

powerless victims

2

: lacking the authority or capacity to act

was powerless to help

powerlessly adverb

powerlessness noun

Synonyms

• hamstrung
• handcuffed
• helpless
• high and dry
• hog-tied
• impotent
• impuissant
• paralyzed
• weak

Examples of powerless in a Sentence

I wish I could help you, but I am powerless in this situation.

Recent Examples on the Web

His teammate and several others jumped him and left him powerless to fight it. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 12 Apr. 2025

But the problem with placing blame on these outside factors is that focusing on what is beyond one’s control leaves them powerless, by definition. —Bruce Tulgan, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025

Parents spend nights arguing over homework, feeling powerless to help. —Claudia Nachtigal, Baltimore Sun, 10 Apr. 2025

But people aren’t powerless to do something that will help them and their communities. —Josh Ocampo, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

powerless

adjective

pow·​er·​less ˈpau̇(-ə)r-ləs 

1

: lacking power, force, or energy

2

: lacking authority to act

powerlessly adverb

powerlessness noun