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 of powerless

• helpless
• paralyzed
• weak

Examples of powerless in a Sentence

I wish I could help you, but I am powerless in this situation.

Recent Examples on the Web

Far back, the court’s Dred Scott decision in 1856 made the Civil War inevitable by ruling that Congress was powerless to prohibit slavery in the territories. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 1 May 2026

Without constant reinforcement, these muscles will atrophy, and when real tyranny arrives, the flabby citizen will be powerless to resist. —Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2026

This verdict is a turning point for the live events industry and for every American who has felt powerless in the face of rising ticket costs. —Letitia James, Rolling Stone, 21 Apr. 2026

Meanwhile, the lines between exploiter and exploited, powerful and powerless, hero and villain blur in ways that are sometimes satirical, sometimes sad and occasionally thrilling. —Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids 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