Definition

The condition of not having any power or control over something.

Example

She felt a deep sense of powerlessness in the face of the overwhelming situation.

Conversation

I felt a real sense of powerlessness during that meeting yesterday.

Yeah, it can be frustrating when decisions are out of our hands.

Exactly! It’s tough to deal with that feeling of powerlessness sometimes.

I get that; we just have to focus on what we can control.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Powerlessness → It is formed from "power" (from Old French *poeir*, meaning ability or capacity) and "-lessness" (meaning without). The word "powerlessness" means the state of being without power or ability.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'without' ('-lessness') 'ability' ('power') — that's what powerlessness means.

Visually Confused Words