powerless

adjective

pow·​er·​less ˈpau̇(-ə)r-ləs How to pronounce powerless (audio)
Synonyms of powerlessnext
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

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Examples of powerless in a Sentence

I wish I could help you, but I am powerless in this situation.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The result is Unhinged, a first-person horror game in which Ava (voiced by Zoë Kravitz) must flee a killer through a powerless apartment building. — Matthew Huff, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 But also how people can feel powerless in the face of a world that feels more and more unequal, more unfair. — Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026 That grim reality can leave us feeling stressed out and utterly powerless. — Don Riddell, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026 Bonta has said that Ellison’s pledge for the two studios to release 30 films a year wasn’t enough to end the legal wrangling because prosecutors often are powerless to enforce conditions after a deal closes. — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for powerless

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of powerless was in the 15th century

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power landing
powerless
powerlessness
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Cite this Entry

“Powerless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/powerless. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

powerless

adjective
pow·​er·​less ˈpau̇(-ə)r-ləs How to pronounce powerless (audio)
1
: lacking power, force, or energy
2
: lacking authority to act
powerlessly adverb
powerlessness noun
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