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
Examples of powerless in a Sentence
I wish I could help you, but I am powerless in this situation.
Recent Examples on the Web
Its 93-page deregulatory manifesto reads like a wish list for turning passengers into powerless customers.
—
Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
Social media has theoretically given every fan a voice, but in reality supporters have never been so powerless.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
In the late 1830s, as a devastating financial crisis bankrupted antislavery societies across the North, the movement seemed splintered and powerless to keep up its petition pressure campaign.
—Time, 24 Sep. 2025
At a time where many feel powerless against gun violence, this student's bravery proves that each of us has the ability to make a difference.
—Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for powerless
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Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
Social media has theoretically given every fan a voice, but in reality supporters have never been so powerless.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
In the late 1830s, as a devastating financial crisis bankrupted antislavery societies across the North, the movement seemed splintered and powerless to keep up its petition pressure campaign.
—Time, 24 Sep. 2025
At a time where many feel powerless against gun violence, this student's bravery proves that each of us has the ability to make a difference.
—Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for powerless
Cite this Entry
“Powerless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/powerless. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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