adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of powerless
Explanation
Powerless means lacking strength, ability, or authority. If nothing you do stops your dog from barking, you're powerless to make her be quiet. A person who doesn't have the power they need to accomplish something can be described as powerless. A flustered substitute teacher is powerless to silence a chattering classroom, and citizens who don't vote are powerless to change their elected representatives in Congress. Power, "strength or vigor," can be traced back to a root meaning "power" or "lord." When you add the suffix -less, or "lacking," you get 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.
Like those pulled by devout religion or extreme acts of faith, Morrison and Nelson are powerless before their distinct higher calling — especially with the literal highest calling of all, Everest, in their sights.
From Salon ● Nov. 1, 2026
"He was in the prime of his life," added Marisa, who said she felt "powerless" as she accompanied her brother Cecilio outside a reception centre for the victims' relatives in Toledo.
From Barron's ● Oct. 30, 2026
Watching a loved one descend into dementia is an extremely upsetting, traumatic and powerless place to be.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 30, 2026
"It's been a difficult weekend. I felt on Friday things were slipping away. We were a bit powerless with the road position we had and Oliver was flying."
From BBC ● Oct. 5, 2026
“In other people’s dreams I have control, but when I’m asleep,” she said, “I’m powerless, just like any other dreamer.”
From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
