powerless

/ˈpaʊər.ləs/

lacking power or influence

The small country felt powerless against the economic sanctions imposed by larger nations.

The small country had no ability to resist or counter the sanctions.

general

Having no power, strength, or ability to act or influence.

After the accident, she felt powerless to help her injured friend.

She had no ability to assist her friend due to the severity of the situation.

The government was powerless to stop the spread of the virus initially.

The government lacked the resources or authority to prevent the virus from spreading at first.

Often used to describe a state of helplessness or inability to affect a situation.

Collocations

feel powerlessto feel unable to act or influencebecome powerlessto lose the ability to act or influencemake someone powerlessto cause someone to lose their ability to act or influence

unable to perform or influence an action

unable to resist or counter something

Powerless can describe emotional states, such as feeling unable to help someone or change a situation.

Powerless can describe a lack of political influence or authority, such as a government being powerless to act.

While powerless can be useful, avoid overusing it in contexts where other synonyms like 'helpless' or 'weak' might be more precise.

From Middle English 'powerles,' from 'power' (from Old French 'pouvoir') + '-less' (suffix meaning 'without').

Often used to describe a lack of control or influence in a situation, whether physical, emotional, or political.

power

ability to act or influence

root

-less

without

suffix

English Dictionary