Powerlessness — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

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

Meaning & Definition of Powerlessness

Powerlessness (adjective)

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

Powerlessness (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means

    "cursed his powerlessness to affect the outcome of his friend's life-threatening illness"

    similar: impotence, inability, inadequacy, incapability, incapacity, incompetence, incompetency, ineptitude, insufficiency
    related: disqualification, inaptitude, ineffectiveness, ineffectuality, ineffectualness, inefficaciousness, inefficacy, inefficiency
    opposite: ability, adequacy, capability, capacity, competence, competency, potency
    near: aptitude, bent, endowment, flair, genius, gift, knack, talent, effectiveness, effectualness, efficaciousness, efficiency, fitness, suitability, suitableness, potency, power, puissance, sinew, strength

Related Entry: Powerless (adjective)

Powerless is a different word from Powerlessness. The synonyms below are for powerless, not for powerlessness.

  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 Powerlessness

The most common words with a similar meaning to Powerlessness:

impotence, inability, inadequacy, incapability, incapacity, incompetence, incompetency, ineptitude, insufficiency

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Powerlessness

Words with the opposite meaning of Powerlessness:

ability, adequacy, capability, capacity, competence, competency, potency

Related Words for Powerlessness

disqualification, inaptitude, ineffectiveness, ineffectuality, ineffectualness, inefficaciousness, inefficacy, inefficiency

Near Antonyms of Powerlessness

aptitude, bent, endowment, flair, genius, gift, knack, talent, effectiveness, effectualness, efficaciousness, efficiency, fitness, suitability, suitableness, power, puissance, sinew, strength

Word Forms of Powerlessness

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

Origin & Etymology of Powerlessness

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Powerlessness

What does "Powerlessness" mean?

"Powerlessness" means devoid of strength or resources. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: devoid of strength or resources.

What is another word for "Powerlessness"?

Other words for "Powerlessness" include impotence, inability, inadequacy, incapability, incapacity, incompetence, incompetency and ineptitude. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Powerlessness" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Powerlessness"?

There are 17 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Powerlessness". Common alternatives include impotence, inability, inadequacy, incapability, incapacity, incompetence, incompetency, ineptitude and insufficiency.

What is the opposite of "Powerlessness"?

Antonyms of "Powerlessness" include ability, adequacy, capability, capacity, competence, competency and potency. Near antonyms include aptitude, bent, endowment and flair.

How do you use "Powerlessness" in a sentence?

Examples of "Powerlessness" in a sentence: "cursed his powerlessness to affect the outcome of his friend's life-threatening illness".

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

"Powerlessness" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Powerlessness"?

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

What is the origin of the word "Powerlessness"?

First known use: 15th century.