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
Examples of powerless in a Sentence
I wish I could help you, but I am powerless in this situation.
Recent Examples on the Web
Several participants noted that medical professionals focused primarily on the biological explanations for their distress, such as hormonal changes, but this often left women feeling powerless about their mental state.
—
Mark Travers, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
The broadcaster said his daughters' persuasive skills can sometimes leave him feeling powerless, but his pride makes up for it.
—Haley Van Horn, People.com, 20 Oct. 2024
Democrats, so the theory goes, are allowing people from across the world — but especially Latin America — into the U.S. to make whites a powerless minority.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2024
The only debate between the Arizona candidates for U.S. Senate quickly turned into the Kari Lake Show on Wednesday, Oct. 9, and the moderators seemed powerless to stop it.
—Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 9 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for powerless 
Mark Travers, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
The broadcaster said his daughters' persuasive skills can sometimes leave him feeling powerless, but his pride makes up for it.
—Haley Van Horn, People.com, 20 Oct. 2024
Democrats, so the theory goes, are allowing people from across the world — but especially Latin America — into the U.S. to make whites a powerless minority.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2024
The only debate between the Arizona candidates for U.S. Senate quickly turned into the Kari Lake Show on Wednesday, Oct. 9, and the moderators seemed powerless to stop it.
—Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 9 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for powerless
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'powerless.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Powerless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/powerless. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
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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