powerless

adjective

ˈpau̇(-ə)r-ləs How to pronounce powerless (audio)
Definition of powerlessnext
as in helpless
unable to act or achieve one's purpose I wish I could help you, but I am powerless in this situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of powerless The hardest hit was Cass County, where 6,888 customers were powerless. — Kansas City Star, 6 Aug. 2026 These two models exist simultaneously in Jewish history in the image of uprooted and powerless Jews on the one hand and rooted and empowered Jews on the other. — Literary Hub, 24 July 2026 Indeed, senior White House officials described themselves to me as almost powerless in the face of Israel’s emotional response to October 7th. — David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 20 July 2026 Antonelli’s move to win the sprint race, sailing past a powerless Hamilton on a straight, somewhat supported his theory. — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for powerless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for powerless
  1. helpless
  2. paralyzed
  3. weak
Adjective
  • Muslims who are peace-loving and helpless also need a hand up.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Yes, there were moments of humor, such as getting magic potions around the campfire at the end of each stage by whacking helpless little elves, but most of it was played straight, to great effect.
    — Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of helpless
Adjective
  • Afterwards, Lindsay jumped out a second-story window in an apparent suicide attempt, which left her paralyzed from the waist down.
    — Emma Banks, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026
  • With public transport almost paralyzed, a round trip between the Havana neighborhoods of La Víbora and El Vedado in one of the few taxis still moving in Havana can cost 2000 pesos — $3 — or more.
    — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of paralyzed
Adjective
  • The heat has caused a fall in nuclear generation, with power plants forced to shut down or reduce production across the region, while wind power generation has been weak over the summer.
    — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The state financial watchdog attributed the disbursement problems to administrative delays, weak project management, and late counterpart funding from the Congolese government.
    — Ruben Nyanguila, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of weak

Browse Nearby Words

powering
powerless
powerlessness
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Cite this Entry

“Powerless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/powerless. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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