powerless

adjective

ˈpau̇(-ə)r-ləs How to pronounce powerless (audio)
Definition of powerlessnext
as in helpless
unable to act or achieve one's purpose I wish I could help you, but I am powerless in this situation

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of powerless The hardest hit was Cass County, where 6,888 customers were powerless. — Kansas City Star, 6 Aug. 2026 These two models exist simultaneously in Jewish history in the image of uprooted and powerless Jews on the one hand and rooted and empowered Jews on the other. — Literary Hub, 24 July 2026 Indeed, senior White House officials described themselves to me as almost powerless in the face of Israel’s emotional response to October 7th. — David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 20 July 2026 Antonelli’s move to win the sprint race, sailing past a powerless Hamilton on a straight, somewhat supported his theory. — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for powerless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for powerless
  1. helpless
  2. paralyzed
  3. weak
Adjective
  • Y’know, the two living, breathing, helpless children forced to sit idle while their mother and (almost) step-father constantly and brazenly risk abandoning them.
    — Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Muslims who are peace-loving and helpless also need a hand up.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of helpless
Adjective
  • Afterwards, Lindsay jumped out a second-story window in an apparent suicide attempt, which left her paralyzed from the waist down.
    — Emma Banks, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026
  • With public transport almost paralyzed, a round trip between the Havana neighborhoods of La Víbora and El Vedado in one of the few taxis still moving in Havana can cost 2000 pesos — $3 — or more.
    — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of paralyzed
Adjective
  • Many African economies are in a much weaker economic position compared to the strong 2015-2016 El Niño, the IIF report said, largely due to higher oil prices, which have driven up transport costs, and a strong US dollar.
    — Paige Bruton, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Too much nitrogen in the spring creates a weak root system that isn’t able to withstand the heat and drought in summer.
    — Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of weak

Browse Nearby Words

powering
powerless
powerlessness
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Cite this Entry

“Powerless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/powerless. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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