powerless
adjective
pow·er·less
ˈpau̇(-ə)r-ləs 
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
Examples of powerless in a Sentence
I wish I could help you, but I am powerless in this situation.
Recent Examples on the Web
The report had little impact, powerless against the machine in place to expand settlements.
—
Mark Mazzetti, New York Times, 16 May 2024
When test scores plummet, class sizes increase and even more uncertified teachers are hired to meet staffing needs; local school boards will be powerless to change course.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 25 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for powerless 
Mark Mazzetti, New York Times, 16 May 2024
When test scores plummet, class sizes increase and even more uncertified teachers are hired to meet staffing needs; local school boards will be powerless to change course.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 25 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for powerless
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'powerless.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Powerless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/powerless. Accessed 31 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
powerless
adjective
pow·er·less
ˈpau̇(-ə)r-ləs
1
: lacking power, force, or energy
2
: lacking authority to act
powerlessly
adverb
powerlessness
noun
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