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
But no international force has yet been deployed, and the governance committee that has been appointed is largely powerless.
—
Hussein Ibish, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2026
Twin Cities history holds many lessons for civic culture-building in a divided time, when many feel powerless and hopeless.
—Harry Boyte, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2026
This behavior is designed to make the people feel powerless and the governing authority impenetrable.
—Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
This predatory dynamic leaves consumers powerless and leads to market failure.
—Washington Post, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for powerless
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Hussein Ibish, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2026
Twin Cities history holds many lessons for civic culture-building in a divided time, when many feel powerless and hopeless.
—Harry Boyte, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2026
This behavior is designed to make the people feel powerless and the governing authority impenetrable.
—Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
This predatory dynamic leaves consumers powerless and leads to market failure.
—Washington Post, 4 Feb. 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 15 Feb. 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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