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.
Moms Benefit When Businesses Invest in Stability One of the report's most encouraging conclusions is that employers are not powerless. — Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes.com, 29 July 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

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

Browse Nearby Words

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 5 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on powerless

Nglish: Translation of powerless for Spanish Speakers

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