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

Younger adults entering the workforce feel powerless, and growing numbers of them feel unable to start lucrative careers, with youth unemployment exceeding 17 percent. —Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Foreign Affairs, 31 Oct. 2024

Locals emptied powerless coolers and contributed hot dogs, ribs and hamburgers. —Chris Kenning, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024

People in conflict often cite feeling powerless, stuck, and reluctant to speak up for fear of consequences. —Anna Shields, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024

But the maestro was powerless to stifle a burst of gratitude and relief, a communal exhalation, prompted by music, that could only take place in the sanctum of a concert hall. —Justin Davidson, Curbed, 16 Oct. 2024

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