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

Even with all his diplomatic ties, Franklin was powerless to assist Platt because of the Treason Act’s suspension of habeas corpus. Advertisement Newspaper editors and pamphleteers circulated stories about the horrible conditions in the British prisons holding thousands of Americans. —Time, 9 July 2025

Johnson had never been told that a man would be alone with his daughter, and the silence from the school and DCS had left him feeling powerless, Tosto said. —Miguel Torres, AZCentral.com, 3 July 2025

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

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