powerless

1 of 2

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

powerlessness

2 of 2

noun

pow·​er·​less·​ness

plural -es

: the quality or state of being powerless : impotence

Synonyms of powerless

Adjective

• helpless
• paralyzed
• weak

Examples of powerless in a Sentence

Adjective

I wish I could help you, but I am powerless in this situation.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Her discontent is shared by Sam, who’s in his own powerless predicament. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2026

Halo 4, 5, and Infinite used sci-fi nonsense to transform him into this larger-than-life figure, rendering the rest of the UNSC largely powerless in the process. — Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Trump could decide that appearing powerless as Iranian attacks push up prices is more damaging than another round of military strikes. — Ali Vaez, Time, 21 Oct. 2026

No serious person believes Roger Goodell and the NFL are powerless to veto the performer at their own championship game. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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