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

Students often feel powerless in the college process—caught between their interests and external pressures. —Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025

Even this partial rollback shows that reformers aren’t powerless. —Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 17 July 2025

Promising synchronized voting for mayor and presidential is a promise that the commission is powerless to deliver. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 21 July 2025

For disillusioned progressives feeling powerless to stop President Trump’s initiatives, La Follette’s career exemplifies the value of rejecting the siren song of frustration and complacency in favor of persistence in pursuing progressive ideals. —Time, 16 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