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

While the Supreme Court has ruled the president is powerless to fire him, Trump may name a new chair early in a bid to undermine Powell, whose term has 11 months left to run, The Wall Street Journal reported. —Ben Smith, semafor.com, 27 June 2025

Instead of covering the news from the narrow perspective of the political and corporate elite, Moyers gave voice to the powerless and the issues that affect them. —Carmel Dagan, Variety, 26 June 2025

Netflix's Trainwreck: Poop Cruise unpacks a 2013 incident in which a powerless cruise ship floated at sea for days without working toilets. —Randall Colburn, EW.com, 25 June 2025

Policy Levers Cities Can Use Despite the pace of innovation, cities are not powerless. —Regina Clewlow, Forbes.com, 23 June 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