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Definition of powerless

powerless

/ˈpaʊ.ɚ.ləs/
pow · er · less
Adverb:powerlessly
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powerless Lexical Profile

powerless Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Without ability, influence, or authority to act or produce an effect.

Example

"The local residents felt powerless to stop the construction of the new highway through their neighborhood."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for powerless

• Nearby Words

powerfully
powerfulness
powerhouse
powerless
powerlessly
powerlessness
powerlifter

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English from the noun 'power' (via Anglo-Norman 'poer', ultimately from Vulgar Latin 'potere', meaning 'to be able') combined with the native Old English privative suffix '-less' (meaning 'without').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Powerless. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/powerless
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