powerless

1 of 2

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

powerlessness

2 of 2

noun

pow·​er·​less·​ness
plural -es
: the quality or state of being powerless : impotence

Synonyms of powerless

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Adjective

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Examples of powerless in a Sentence

Adjective 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.
Adjective
Is Congress powerless to put a check? — CBS News, 28 June 2026 Her parents comply with the new order, powerless in the face of big tech. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 16 June 2026 There is no coach more powerless than the college basketball coach. — Mac Engel june 29, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2026 But Enid officials are powerless under state law to pass their own rules governing these wells. — Nick Bowlin, ProPublica, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for powerless

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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 8 Jul. 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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