as in helpless
unable to act or achieve one's purpose
I wish I could help you, but I am powerless in this situation
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of powerless
Democrats seem powerless in mustering opposition, let alone understanding what’s really going on here.
—
Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 26 Oct. 2025
The history books say that the French colonial regime exercised firm control over the emperor until the Japanese invasion ended French administration in Indochina in 1945; Bao Dai remained as an essentially powerless ruler until the Viet Minh seized power a few months later.
—Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 22 Oct. 2025
Unfortunately for de Moura, Lemigova had already told not just her wife, but their daughters about all of the above, rendering her attempt at shaming her with that information totally powerless.
—James Factora, Them., 10 Oct. 2025
Its 93-page deregulatory manifesto reads like a wish list for turning passengers into powerless customers.
—Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for powerless
Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 26 Oct. 2025
The history books say that the French colonial regime exercised firm control over the emperor until the Japanese invasion ended French administration in Indochina in 1945; Bao Dai remained as an essentially powerless ruler until the Viet Minh seized power a few months later.
—Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 22 Oct. 2025
Unfortunately for de Moura, Lemigova had already told not just her wife, but their daughters about all of the above, rendering her attempt at shaming her with that information totally powerless.
—James Factora, Them., 10 Oct. 2025
Its 93-page deregulatory manifesto reads like a wish list for turning passengers into powerless customers.
—Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for powerless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for powerless
Adjective
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These brawls further eroded democratic norms, while driving voters away from left-wing and moderate parties who seemed helpless to halt them.—
Time,
Time,
23 Oct. 2025
-
She was resigned to her fate, helpless with indignation.—
Jack O'Connor,
Outdoor Life,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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In addition, the left side of his face became paralyzed.—
Kimberly Nordyke,
HollywoodReporter,
19 Oct. 2025
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In August, Elon Musk’s Neuralink expanded to the UK with a clinical study testing its brain chip to help paralyzed patients control devices through thought.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The company attributed the decline to weak demand, shifting some shipments to Q4 and an unfavorable mix.—
Meghan Hall,
Sourcing Journal,
3 Nov. 2025
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It is considered a serious condition and can be dangerous or life-threatening, especially to older adults, people with weak immune systems and pregnant women.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
Freep.com,
3 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Powerless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/powerless. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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