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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 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 Some oppose them but feel hamstrung or powerless to stop or slow their progress, as occurred in Ypsilanti Township and in nearby Saline Township as well. — Laura Mullenbach, Fortune, 14 July 2026 By noon Saturday, about 750,000 utility customers were powerless in Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York and New Jersey. — Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for powerless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for powerless
  1. helpless
  2. paralyzed
  3. weak
Adjective
  • The wartime mood among European and American intellectuals was hopeless, or, rather, in her estimation, helpless.
    — David Denby, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
  • And the sport — players in uniform and executives in suits alike — all march toward the cliff in shackles of their own design, seemingly helpless to find a compromise.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of helpless
Adjective
  • Implantable systems that enable paralyzed people to operate computers, wheelchairs, cursors, and other equipment with just their thoughts have been shown by Neuralink and other initiatives.
    — Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Karwowski came across his photo on social media and immediately recognized the seriousness of his condition, having previously cared for a paralyzed cat.
    — Pat Mueller, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of paralyzed
Adjective
  • Many forex brokers respond to weak rankings by publishing more market guides, adding country pages and building links.
    — David Ispiryan, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Slow money growth means weak nominal growth and low inflation, which in turn keeps interest rates and bond yields depressed—and the yen weak.
    — Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 12 Aug. 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 17 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of powerless for Spanish Speakers

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