powerless
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
having no power to change a situation or influence what happens.
lacking the agency, influence, or social power required to affect an outcome.
Simple“The citizens felt powerless to stop the new road from being built.”
In context“Individual employees often feel powerless to challenge corporate policies that have been established for decades by the board of directors.”
Antonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
not having the legal right or permission to do something.
lacking the formal or legal jurisdiction to perform a specific action.
Simple“The local police were powerless to act because the crime happened in another country.”
In context“Without a signed warrant, the investigators were legally powerless to enter the premises or seize any digital evidence.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
having no electrical energy to work.
deprived of electrical power or energy supply.
Simple“The storm left thousands of homes powerless for three days.”
In context“The hospital's backup generators kicked in immediately, ensuring that critical equipment did not remain powerless during the city-wide blackout.”
“Change makes me feel powerless and then I get angry and look for someone to blame.”
“No longer should residents feel powerless when they see changes on their doorstep.”
From Middle English pouerles, powerles, equivalent to power + -less.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.