Powerless — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈpau̇(-ə)r-ləs/ pow·er·less

Meaning & Definition of Powerless

Powerless (adjective)

  1. devoid of strength or resources
  2. lacking the authority or capacity to act

Powerless (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. unable to act or achieve one's purpose

    "I wish I could help you, but I am powerless in this situation"

    similar: hamstrung, handcuffed, helpless, high and dry, hog-tied, impotent, impuissant, paralyzed, weak
    related: incapable, incompetent, ineffective, ineffectual, inept, unfit, useless, feeble, frail, infirm, passive, spineless, supine, unaggressive
    opposite: mighty, potent, powerful, puissant, strong
    near: able, capable, competent, effective, efficient, authoritarian, autocratic, despotic, dictatorial, magisterial, tyrannical, dominant, dynamic, energetic, forceful, robust, sturdy, tough, vigorous, important, major, significant, high-level, senior, top

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Powerless

The most common words with a similar meaning to Powerless:

hamstrung, handcuffed, helpless, high and dry, hog-tied, impotent, impuissant, paralyzed, weak

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Powerless

Words with the opposite meaning of Powerless:

mighty, potent, powerful, puissant, strong

Related Words for Powerless

incapable, incompetent, ineffective, ineffectual, inept, unfit, useless, feeble, frail, infirm, passive, spineless, supine, unaggressive

Near Antonyms of Powerless

able, capable, competent, effective, efficient, authoritarian, autocratic, despotic, dictatorial, magisterial, tyrannical, dominant, dynamic, energetic, forceful, robust, sturdy, tough, vigorous, important, major, significant, high-level, senior, top

Word Forms of Powerless

Derived words: powerlessly (adverb), powerlessness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Powerless

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Powerless

What does "Powerless" mean?

"Powerless" means devoid of strength or resources. As an adjective, it is defined as: devoid of strength or resources.

What is another word for "Powerless"?

Other words for "Powerless" include hamstrung, handcuffed, helpless, high and dry, hog-tied, impotent, impuissant and paralyzed. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Powerless" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Powerless"?

There are 23 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Powerless". Common alternatives include hamstrung, handcuffed, helpless, high and dry, hog-tied, impotent, impuissant, paralyzed and weak.

What is the opposite of "Powerless"?

Antonyms of "Powerless" include mighty, potent, powerful, puissant and strong. Near antonyms include able, capable, competent and effective.

How do you use "Powerless" in a sentence?

Examples of "Powerless" in a sentence: "I wish I could help you, but I am powerless in this situation".

Is "Powerless" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Powerless" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Powerless"?

"Powerless" is pronounced /ˈpau̇(-ə)r-ləs/ and divided into syllables as pow·er·less.

What is the origin of the word "Powerless"?

First known use: 15th century.