POWERLESSNESS Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

powerlessness

noun

Definition of powerlessness

as in inability

the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means cursed his powerlessness to affect the outcome of his friend's life-threatening illness

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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 powerlessness Unable to leave without military permission, Ridi confronts settlers who claim his yard as theirs, underscoring Palestinians’ powerlessness as violent outposts expand with scant police accountability. — Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026 The fast pace of technological change has intensified this feeling of powerlessness. — Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 This sense of powerlessness, too, is a genuine aspect of a poet’s reality. — Literary Hub, 26 June 2026 As far as going through life’s grand stages is concerned, this has been a double-whammy of pain and powerlessness. — Eric Koreen, New York Times, 21 June 2026 Violence can come from feelings of powerlessness and desperation. — Max Gao, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026 Forced into an uneasy alliance with a sharp-witted poacher living on the margins of society (Kellyman), the two women fight back, turning their powerlessness into strength through violence, wit, and defiance. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2026 Perhaps the deepest conflict is not between red and blue, but between power and powerlessness. — George Packer, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026 Outcry is meant as an antidote to those feelings of powerlessness. — Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for powerlessness

inability

Noun

Johnson’s mayoral tenure has been marked by an inability to work with Springfield, a skill deficiency displayed by his staunch allies at the teachers union and the aligned board members on the CBOE.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Indecisiveness and the inability to keep commitments are a widespread social problem, which has indeed led to the demise of private entertaining.

— Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of inability

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powerless

powerlessness

powers

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“Powerlessness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/powerlessness. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of powerlessness

noun

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