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
Examples of powerless in a Sentence
I wish I could help you, but I am powerless in this situation.
Recent Examples on the Web
While many people may feel powerless, there are steps that borrowers can take, even if they are impacted by the Trump administration’s recent actions.
—
Adam S. Minsky, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
In its initial stage, however, The Beacon is about empowering people who feel powerless.
—Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 24 Mar. 2025
Teachers, Gandara said, overwhelmingly felt powerless.
—Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025
Oliynyk, Alexandr’s mother, feels powerless because of the uncertainty.
—Clara-Sophia Daly, Miami Herald, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for powerless
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Adam S. Minsky, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
In its initial stage, however, The Beacon is about empowering people who feel powerless.
—Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 24 Mar. 2025
Teachers, Gandara said, overwhelmingly felt powerless.
—Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025
Oliynyk, Alexandr’s mother, feels powerless because of the uncertainty.
—Clara-Sophia Daly, Miami Herald, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for powerless
Cite this Entry
“Powerless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/powerless. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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