Powerless: meaning, definitions and examples

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powerless

[ˈpaʊərlɪs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

feeling

Lacking power or ability; helpless; impotent.

Synonyms

helpless, impotent, incapable, ineffective, weak.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
powerless	When someone or something lacks the ability to influence or control a situation, often resulting in a sense of frustration or futility. He felt powerless against the company's decision. She stood there, powerless to stop the argument.
helpless	When someone is in a situation where they cannot do anything to help themselves or others, often evoking sympathy or pity. The child was helpless without his parents. She felt helpless as she watched the house burn down.
impotent	Typically used to describe a lack of power or ability, particularly in achieving a desired outcome. It often has a negative connotation. The government seemed impotent in dealing with the crisis. His threats were impotent and ignored by everyone.
incapable	Describes someone's inability to perform a specific task or function, often focusing on a lack of skill or qualification. She was incapable of lying to her best friend. The team was incapable of winning the championship.
weak	Often describes physical or mental lack of strength, as well as an inability to withstand pressure or stress. His legs felt weak after running the marathon. Her argument was weak and unconvincing.
ineffective	Describes an action, method, or person that fails to produce the desired effect or result. The medicine was ineffective against the new virus. His efforts to calm the crowd were ineffective.

Examples of usage

She felt powerless to change the situation.
He was rendered powerless by the spell.
The powerless child looked up at the towering figure before him.
The citizens felt powerless against the corrupt government.
The powerless feeling of not being able to help was overwhelming.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

society

Not having political or social influence; lacking authority or control.

Synonyms

disenfranchised, marginalized, oppressed, subjugated, voiceless.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
powerless	Used when someone lacks the ability or means to influence events or decisions. She felt powerless to change the course of the meeting The villagers were powerless against the flood
disenfranchised	Refers to the state of being deprived of a right or privilege, especially the right to vote. Many low-income citizens feel disenfranchised in the political process The new law aims to prevent the disenfranchised from being excluded in future elections
voiceless	Used to describe people who cannot express their opinions or be heard, often due to social or political barriers. Activists are fighting to give a voice to the voiceless The documentary shed light on the struggles of the voiceless in our society
marginalized	Used to describe people or groups who are pushed to the edge of society and given less importance or power. The project aims to help marginalized communities gain access to education Artists and musicians often feel marginalized in a technology-driven world
subjugated	Refers to the act of bringing someone or something under domination or control. Ancient civilizations often subjugated conquered peoples to expand their empires The novel describes a dystopian world where the weaker communities are subjugated by the elite
oppressed	Describes a person or group suffering severe and unfair treatment, often systematically and over a long period. The citizens lived under an oppressive regime for decades Many historical texts highlight the plight of oppressed peoples

Examples of usage

The marginalized group felt powerless in the face of discrimination.
Being a minority, they often felt powerless in decision-making processes.
The workers were left feeling powerless against the company's policies.
In a dictatorship, the citizens are often made to feel powerless.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originates from combining 'power,' meaning strength or ability, with 'less,' indicating a lack of something.
Its usage dates back to the late 14th century, often describing a lack of control or influence.
In literature, the term frequently appears to convey themes of vulnerability or helplessness.

Psychology

Feeling powerless can lead to stress and anxiety, making it harder for individuals to cope with challenges.
Research shows that when people believe they have no control over their situations, it can lead to a sense of learned helplessness.
Empowerment strategies in psychology encourage individuals to regain a sense of agency over their lives.

Pop Culture

In movies and books, characters often feel powerless before a larger force, illustrating personal struggles against adversity.
Songs about feeling powerless resonate widely, often expressing emotions tied to heartbreak or social injustice.
Popular media sometimes portrays the journey from feeling powerless to becoming empowered as a central theme.

Social Issues

Marginalized groups often experience feelings of powerlessness due to systemic inequalities.
Advocacy movements aim to empower individuals by providing tools and resources to change their situations.
Community organizing can help individuals overcome feelings of powerlessness by fostering collective action.

Literature

Many classical novels explore characters who grapple with feelings of powerlessness amid societal constraints.
Poetry often captures the essence of helplessness, using imagery to evoke deep emotional responses.
Dramatic literature frequently highlights the tension between power and powerlessness, driving conflict within stories.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,529, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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