powerless

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.

The despair and hopelessness are a response to feeling powerless in the face of injustice and watching long-standing norms be routinely broken.

From Salon • May 28, 2026

Within seconds, the vehicle was halted off the 60 Freeway exit at Country Village Road, and the suspect was left as powerless as a rodeo calf on its side.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

In 1991, Suu Kyi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, while still under house arrest, and hailed as "an outstanding example of the power of the powerless".

From BBC • May 1, 2026

But at the same time, a prolonged shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz may scuttle an optimistic outlook, which central banks may be powerless to offset.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

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

From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell