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

Trump will do his utmost to remind them of their painful and powerless present. —Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 1 June 2026

There were more than 1,700 customers without power in Jackson County and over 330 customers left powerless in Platte County. —Kansas City Star, 1 June 2026

Herrin’s final pitch to Abreu may not have been a ball, but the Guardians were powerless to check, having lost their second ABS challenge the previous inning. —Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026

In the past, countries without significant fossil fuel resources were powerless to create energy within their borders. —Kathleen Biggins, Sun Sentinel, 26 May 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