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
In short, its core competency needs to be responding to predictable natural disasters rather than virtue-signaling about climate change that its expensive (but piddling in the global scheme of things) green-energy initiatives are powerless to affect one way or the other.
—
The Editors, National Review, 13 Jan. 2025
His Democratic opposition is weak and largely powerless — although Republicans' tiny margin in the House will be a constant threat.
—Axios, 9 Jan. 2025
If 76 of them — a simple majority — agree on a speaker candidate, House Democrats would be powerless to affect the outcome.
—John C. Moritz, Austin American-Statesman, 6 Dec. 2024
States are not powerless, however, to address the issue.
—Megan O’Matz, ProPublica, 6 Dec. 2024
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The Editors, National Review, 13 Jan. 2025
His Democratic opposition is weak and largely powerless — although Republicans' tiny margin in the House will be a constant threat.
—Axios, 9 Jan. 2025
If 76 of them — a simple majority — agree on a speaker candidate, House Democrats would be powerless to affect the outcome.
—John C. Moritz, Austin American-Statesman, 6 Dec. 2024
States are not powerless, however, to address the issue.
—Megan O’Matz, ProPublica, 6 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for powerless
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Dictionary Entries Near powerless
Cite this Entry
“Powerless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/powerless. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
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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