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

This behavior is designed to make the people feel powerless and the governing authority impenetrable. —Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026

The neighbors gathering, shouting, whistling, screaming for help… help that is a message of love but like all love powerless to prevent the hurt from happening. —Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026

Has Howe ever felt so powerless on the touchline? —George Caulkin, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026

As spectators, we are cursed to be onlookers — powerless to help, despite our desire to. —Blake Simons, IndieWire, 26 Jan. 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