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powerlessness
/ˈpaʊər.ləs.nəs/
lack of power or control
She felt a deep sense of powerlessness when her boss ignored her suggestions.
She felt unable to influence the situation due to lack of authority.
general
The state of being unable to act or influence events due to lack of power or authority.
The employees expressed their powerlessness in the face of corporate decisions.
They felt unable to change the company's policies.
After the accident, he experienced a profound sense of powerlessness.
He felt helpless and unable to control the situation.
Often associated with feelings of helplessness or vulnerability.
Collocations
sense of powerlessnessa feeling of being unable to act or influencefeel powerlessto feel unable to control a situationexperience powerlessnessto go through a situation where you lack control
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Emotional Context
Powerlessness often carries emotional weight, so use it carefully in sensitive discussions.
Gold Rule
Avoid Overuse
Use 'powerlessness' for significant lack of control, not minor inconveniences.
Word Origin
From 'power' (ability to act) + '-less' (without). First recorded in the late 16th century.
Usage Notes
Often used in psychological, social, or political contexts to describe a lack of agency.
Word Breakdown
power
ability to act or influence
root-less
without
suffixEnglish Dictionary