Word
powerless
Phoneticspow·er·less, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpaʊɝɫəs/
UK/pˈaʊələs/
Definitions
01lacking control or influence
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. having no power to change a situation or influence what happens.
adj. lacking the agency, influence, or social power required to affect an outcome.
“The citizens felt powerless to stop the new road from being built.”
“Individual employees often feel powerless to challenge corporate policies that have been established for decades by the board of directors.”
Antonyms
02without legal authority
C1 · Advanced Law Formal · Technical
adj. not having the legal right or permission to do something.
adj. lacking the formal or legal jurisdiction to perform a specific action.
“The local police were powerless to act because the crime happened in another country.”
“Without a signed warrant, the investigators were legally powerless to enter the premises or seize any digital evidence.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03without electricity
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. having no electrical energy to work.
adj. deprived of electrical power or energy supply.
“The storm left thousands of homes powerless for three days.”
“The hospital's backup generators kicked in immediately, ensuring that critical equipment did not remain powerless during the city-wide blackout.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“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.” Etymology
From Middle English pouerles, powerles, equivalent to power + -less.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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