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
Examples of powerless in a Sentence
I wish I could help you, but I am powerless in this situation.
Recent Examples on the Web
The uncertainty and high stakes surrounding major events like natural disasters and election outcomes often leave people feeling powerless, which can heighten anxiety—especially when they’re personally impacted.
—
Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 29 Oct. 2025
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said the city is powerless to stop a state contractor’s controversial plan to convert a former West Roxbury nursing home into a homeless shelter for families and migrants as community opposition intensifies.
—Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for powerless
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Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 29 Oct. 2025
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said the city is powerless to stop a state contractor’s controversial plan to convert a former West Roxbury nursing home into a homeless shelter for families and migrants as community opposition intensifies.
—Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for powerless
Cite this Entry
“Powerless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/powerless. Accessed 31 Oct. 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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