Powerless
/ˈpaʊərləs/
Definitions
Lacking the ability, strength, or influence to control or change a situation; helpless.
/ˈpaʊərləs/
Lacking the ability, strength, or influence to do something.
The citizens felt powerless against the corrupt government.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to lift a really heavy box, and you can't even budge it! That's how it feels to be powerless—like you can't do anything about a situation.
👶 For kids: When you can't do something or help something happen.
More Examples
The injured animal was left powerless on the side of the road.
She felt powerless to change her circumstances.
How It's Used
"Feeling powerless in the face of injustice."
"The defendant felt powerless against the accusations."
"Many people felt powerless to stop the spread of the virus."
Idioms & expressions
feel powerless
To experience a feeling of helplessness or inability to influence a situation.
"He felt powerless to help his friend."
From "power" + "-less". The suffix "-less" denotes the absence of something. Its usage increased during the 17th and 18th centuries.
The word 'powerless' has been used since the early 17th century. Its usage and emphasis on emotional helplessness has grown overtime.
Memory tip
Imagine a powerful engine without fuel; it is powerless. The suffix '-less' denotes the absence of power.
Word Origin
"ability to do something"