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
Relevance
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
When a severe storm left his home powerless for 16 hours, Craig kept his essentials running with a BLUETTI AC200PL portable power station and extra battery modules.
—
New Atlas, 12 Mar. 2025
While many people may feel powerless, there are steps that borrowers can take, even if they are impacted by the Trump administration’s recent actions.
—Adam S. Minsky, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
In its initial stage, however, The Beacon is about empowering people who feel powerless.
—Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 24 Mar. 2025
Teachers, Gandara said, overwhelmingly felt powerless.
—Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for powerless
New Atlas, 12 Mar. 2025
While many people may feel powerless, there are steps that borrowers can take, even if they are impacted by the Trump administration’s recent actions.
—Adam S. Minsky, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
In its initial stage, however, The Beacon is about empowering people who feel powerless.
—Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 24 Mar. 2025
Teachers, Gandara said, overwhelmingly felt powerless.
—Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for powerless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for powerless
Adjective
-
Many parents are left feeling helpless—a common experience among pop-parenting adherents.—
Gail Cornwall,
The Atlantic,
3 Apr. 2025
-
Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider was helpless to stop his former teammate, falling to the ice as Perron beat Detroit goalie Alex Lyon gloveside.—
Julian McKenzie,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Allen survived but was left permanently paralyzed, according to police.—
Lauren Liebhaber,
Miami Herald,
26 Mar. 2025
-
According to the release, any savings from ending this type of care will go to supporting paralyzed veterans and amputees.—
Jaden Amos,
Axios,
18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
However, a weaker dollar, resulting from tariffs and other policies, makes that harder for exporters.—
Brendan Coffey,
Sportico.com,
4 Apr. 2025
-
However, this same quantum state sensitivity makes these atoms ideal for detecting extremely weak signals.—
Paul Lipman,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Powerless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/powerless. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share