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

But this shift doesn’t leave people powerless. —Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 2 Mar. 2026

Well, powerless is an important word because—Anne. —Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026

They could be used to intimidate voters, and local officials would be powerless to stop it. —Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026

Why Grant Williams sat After starting at power forward in Thursday’s loss, Grant Williams was on the bench in street clothes and powerless to do anything to help stifle the Cavs’ size on the interior. —Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 21 Feb. 2026

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