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.
Trump could decide that appearing powerless as Iranian attacks push up prices is more damaging than another round of military strikes. — Ali Vaez, Time, 21 Oct. 2026 No serious person believes Roger Goodell and the NFL are powerless to veto the performer at their own championship game. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026 That grim reality can leave us feeling stressed out and utterly powerless. — Don Riddell, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026 Bonta has said that Ellison’s pledge for the two studios to release 30 films a year wasn’t enough to end the legal wrangling because prosecutors often are powerless to enforce conditions after a deal closes. — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 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 27 Oct. 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
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