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

Witnesses also described how Venezuelan courts became powerless once intelligence officials decided detainees would remain imprisoned. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 11 May 2026

Naturally, the Ducks aren’t resigned to a powerless power play in the second round. —Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 8 May 2026

Within seconds, the vehicle was halted off the 60 Freeway exit at Country Village Road, and the suspect was left as powerless as a rodeo calf on its side. —Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026

But Minnesota was powerless to take advantage of the youthful indiscretions. —Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 7 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