Synonyms of powerless

powerless

adjective

ˈpau̇(-ə)r-ləs 

as in helpless

unable to act or achieve one's purpose

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• helpless
• paralyzed
• weak
• incompetent
• impotent
• incapable
• high and dry
• passive
• useless
• handcuffed
• unfit
• hamstrung
• ineffective
• impuissant
• hog-tied
• feeble
• ineffectual
• inept
• infirm
• supine
• spineless
• frail
• unaggressive

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• powerful
• able
• strong
• mighty
• effective
• capable
• competent
• potent
• efficient
• dominant
• authoritarian
• autocratic
• important
• dynamic
• tough
• forceful
• puissant
• despotic
• major
• significant
• energetic
• vigorous
• tyrannical
• robust
• sturdy
• dictatorial
• senior
• magisterial
• top
• high-level

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of powerless

Rocha has many friends in Washington, but his attempts to change González’s situation have left him feeling powerless. — Jesús Rodríguez, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2026

Your frontline staff may feel powerless because an algorithm is making decisions that should be theirs. — Dr. Nore Salman, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026

The process is outdated, with items voted on out of context while residents sit in the back row, powerless to influence growth. — Aida Nesimi, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026

And Aparna Nancherla warms up the ice-cold cast of characters as Matt and Jake’s sympathetic but powerless buddy in HR. — Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026