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

As construction continues, the developer has kept control of the association’s governing seats, a scenario legal experts say is common in North Carolina and often leaves homeowners feeling powerless. —Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 3 Dec. 2025

Stanford was powerless to stop a Notre Dame team that needed to impress the College Football Playoff selection committee. —Harold Gutmann, Mercury News, 30 Nov. 2025

In that moment, control often slips away as muscles stiffen, limbs jerk, awareness fades into confusion or blankness and those around feel powerless to help. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 18 Nov. 2025

This is about the powerless taking power away from the very powerful. —November 18, CBS News, 18 Nov. 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