powerless

pow·er·less

adj \-ləs\

Definition of POWERLESS

1

: devoid of strength or resources <powerless victims>

2

: lacking the authority or capacity to act <was powerless to help>

— pow·er·less·ly adverb

— pow·er·less·ness noun

Examples of POWERLESS

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

First Known Use of POWERLESS

15th century

Related to POWERLESS

Synonyms: hamstrung, handcuffed, helpless, high and dry, hog-tied, impotent, impuissant, paralyzed, weak

Antonyms: mighty, potent, powerful, puissant, strong

Related Words: incapable, incompetent, ineffective, ineffectual, inept, unfit, useless; feeble, frail, infirm, passive, spineless, supine, unaggressive

Near Antonyms: able, capable, competent, effective, efficient; authoritarian, autocratic (also autocratical), despotic, dictatorial, magisterial, tyrannical (also tyrannic); dominant, dynamic, energetic, forceful, robust, sturdy, tough, vigorous; important, major, significant; high-level, senior, top

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