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
Examples of powerless in a Sentence
I wish I could help you, but I am powerless in this situation.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
—
Lauren Mullenbach,
The Conversation,
1 July 2026
There is no coach more powerless than the college basketball coach.
—
Mac Engel
june 29,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 June 2026
For example, women athletes are routinely portrayed as emotional, powerless, and reliant on their coaches or superiors, resulting in their infantilization, all while their men athlete counterparts are framed as rational and confident.
—
Lindsey Darvin,
Forbes.com,
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
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Lauren Mullenbach,
The Conversation,
1 July 2026
There is no coach more powerless than the college basketball coach.
—
Mac Engel
june 29,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 June 2026
For example, women athletes are routinely portrayed as emotional, powerless, and reliant on their coaches or superiors, resulting in their infantilization, all while their men athlete counterparts are framed as rational and confident.
—
Lindsey Darvin,
Forbes.com,
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
Cite this Entry
“Powerless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/powerless. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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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