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Definitions

powerless

[pou-er-lis] / ˈpaʊ ər lɪs /
ADJECTIVE
helpless; ineffective
Synonyms
STRONGEST
defenseless disenfranchised helpless impotent incapable ineffective ineffectual inert paralyzed passive vulnerable weak
WEAK
blank chicken debilitated dependent epicene etiolated feeble frail gutless incapacitated infirm out of gas prostrate subject supine tied unarmed unfit wimp wishy-washy
Antonyms
STRONGEST
able active capable competent effective lively strong
WEAK
dominant potent powerful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Elected officials are not powerless in the face of these changes.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

“Regulation alone is powerless to bridge that gap; the market has spoken.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

But he was again declared unfit to face criminal proceedings - leaving courts powerless to take his licence away.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

They agree to attach their names to “How’s That?!” to lend it legitimacy, and are virtually powerless to affect the plots generated by a program their network has deceptively nicknamed Al.

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2026

I knew that the daisy, a remedy for every ache, pain, and wound of the body, was powerless to cure the disease of his rank soul.

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein