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

Some oppose them but feel hamstrung or powerless to stop or slow their progress, as occurred in Ypsilanti Township and in nearby Saline Township as well. — Laura Mullenbach, Fortune, 14 July 2026

By noon Saturday, about 750,000 utility customers were powerless in Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York and New Jersey. — Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026

There is no coach more powerless than the college basketball coach. — Mac Engel june 29, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2026

But Enid officials are powerless under state law to pass their own rules governing these wells. — Nick Bowlin, ProPublica, 30 June 2026