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
Agatha All Along trailer embraces witchy horrors with powerless Kathryn Hahn
Each of the trials places the coven in a different attire that emulates a particular kind of witch from pop culture.
—
Nick Romano, EW.com, 6 Sep. 2024
But Willis’ lawyer argued that the shooting was accidental and that Willis was powerless to stop him.
—Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 4 Sep. 2024
Many Palestinians now regarded him not only as powerless to stop the assault but also, given his feud with Hamas, as complicit in it.
—Khaled Elgindy, Foreign Affairs, 30 Aug. 2024
Others described feeling powerless to change course amid Biden's defiance.
MORE: Democrats describe 'rough' and somber private meeting on Biden's candidacy
After the meeting, a seventh House Democrat -- New Jersey's Mikie Sherrill -- publicly called on Biden to exit the race.
—Lauren Peller, ABC News, 10 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for powerless 
Nick Romano, EW.com, 6 Sep. 2024
But Willis’ lawyer argued that the shooting was accidental and that Willis was powerless to stop him.
—Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 4 Sep. 2024
Many Palestinians now regarded him not only as powerless to stop the assault but also, given his feud with Hamas, as complicit in it.
—Khaled Elgindy, Foreign Affairs, 30 Aug. 2024
Others described feeling powerless to change course amid Biden's defiance.
MORE: Democrats describe 'rough' and somber private meeting on Biden's candidacy
After the meeting, a seventh House Democrat -- New Jersey's Mikie Sherrill -- publicly called on Biden to exit the race.
—Lauren Peller, ABC News, 10 July 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 1 Oct. 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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