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

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

The hardest hit was Cass County, where 6,888 customers were powerless. — Kansas City Star, 6 Aug. 2026

These two models exist simultaneously in Jewish history in the image of uprooted and powerless Jews on the one hand and rooted and empowered Jews on the other. — Literary Hub, 24 July 2026

Antonelli’s move to win the sprint race, sailing past a powerless Hamilton on a straight, somewhat supported his theory. — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 15 July 2026