powerless

1 of 2

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

powerlessness

2 of 2

noun

pow·​er·​less·​ness

plural -es

: the quality or state of being powerless : impotence

Synonyms of powerless

Adjective

• helpless
• paralyzed
• weak

Examples of powerless in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Indeed, senior White House officials described themselves to me as almost powerless in the face of Israel’s emotional response to October 7th. — David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 20 July 2026

Antonelli’s move to win the sprint race, sailing past a powerless Hamilton on a straight, somewhat supported his theory. — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 15 July 2026

Some oppose them but feel hamstrung or powerless to stop or slow their progress, as occurred in Ypsilanti Township and in nearby Saline Township as well. — Laura Mullenbach, Fortune, 14 July 2026

Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh should highlight that market prices are a global endeavor, rendering the Fed largely powerless against what economists mistakenly call inflation. — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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