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 of powerless

• helpless
• 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

Among the more moving cases that Blair describes are those of people who in life were vulnerable and powerless but in death were considered formidable threats. —Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 7 Jan. 2026

While the primary goal is empowering those with mobility impairments, the implications of a powerless eye-tracker are many. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Jan. 2026

Driskell acknowledged that the Republican majorities in the Legislature are so large that Democrats are powerless to stop a mid-decade redistricting if the majority party is unified. —Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2026

Local authorities, meanwhile, are powerless to enact their own restrictions on guns in bars because of a decades-old state law that prohibits cities from regulating alcohol businesses. —Tony Cook, IndyStar, 30 Dec. 2025

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