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
Examples of powerless in a Sentence
I wish I could help you, but I am powerless in this situation.
Recent Examples on the Web
Younger adults entering the workforce feel powerless, and growing numbers of them feel unable to start lucrative careers, with youth unemployment exceeding 17 percent.
—
Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Foreign Affairs, 31 Oct. 2024
Locals emptied powerless coolers and contributed hot dogs, ribs and hamburgers.
—Chris Kenning, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024
People in conflict often cite feeling powerless, stuck, and reluctant to speak up for fear of consequences.
—Anna Shields, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
But the maestro was powerless to stifle a burst of gratitude and relief, a communal exhalation, prompted by music, that could only take place in the sanctum of a concert hall.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 16 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for powerless 
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Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Foreign Affairs, 31 Oct. 2024
Locals emptied powerless coolers and contributed hot dogs, ribs and hamburgers.
—Chris Kenning, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024
People in conflict often cite feeling powerless, stuck, and reluctant to speak up for fear of consequences.
—Anna Shields, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
But the maestro was powerless to stifle a burst of gratitude and relief, a communal exhalation, prompted by music, that could only take place in the sanctum of a concert hall.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 16 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for powerless
Articles Related to powerless
Dictionary Entries Near powerless
Cite this Entry
“Powerless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/powerless. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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