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

• 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

Psychotherapist Jonathan Alpert explained that conspiratorial thinking usually spikes during moments of collective fear and uncertainty, especially during weather events in which people feel powerless. —Pilar Melendez, NBC news, 10 July 2025

Why workers aren’t powerless Not all AI oversight is negative. —Andrew Fennell, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025

Democrats united against the legislation, but were powerless to stop it as long as Republicans stayed united. —Kevin Freking, Twin Cities, 5 July 2025

As the minority party in both chambers, Democrats were powerless to block the legislation on their own, since Republicans moved it on a procedural fast-track that side-stepped the Senate filibuster. —Mike Lillis, The Hill, 3 July 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