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lacking power or strength
The protesters felt powerless against the government's oppressive forces.
The protesters felt powerless against the government's oppressive forces.
unable to take action or make decisions
She felt powerless to stop her brother from making a huge mistake.
She felt powerless to stop her brother from making a huge mistake.
Use 'powerless' to describe situations where someone or something lacks the ability to act or influence.
From 'power' + '-less', 14th century
Often used in formal and informal contexts to describe a lack of power or control.