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.

"You kind of feel like you feel a bit unimportant; you feel like you're powerless. You feel like nothing is being done."

From BBC

He also said the organisation was "powerless to constrain the nuclear programme" of Tehran.

From BBC

"He is profoundly sorry that powerless and vulnerable women and girls were not given the protection they deserved."

From BBC

"If there's going to be a war and you are on a settlement, of course you feel powerless about that."

From Barron's

“Hope is a little lie that the powerless use to comfort themselves.”

From Literature