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.

That said, the central theme—of women’s powerlessness through the ages, even over their own bodies—gets a perhaps over-thorough workout.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

"Everything should have led you to resign," she added, pointing to the government's "powerlessness".

From Barron's • Jan. 23, 2026

As a Palestinian, Abdel Aziz is resigned to his powerlessness.

From BBC • Sep. 21, 2025

Railing about powerlessness is a luxury we might want to save for the moment—should it ever fearfully arrive—in which we have truly got no power left to assert.

From Slate • Jul. 21, 2025

Mayor Clarkson could have cited his powerlessness, could have pleaded concern for his family, and fled the danger, as many other aldermen were doing.

From "An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793" by Jim Murphy