powerless

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

People shared consistent reasons for this: the news put them in a bad mood, they felt overwhelmed and powerless to act.

From Science Daily • Jun. 16, 2026

The despair and hopelessness are a response to feeling powerless in the face of injustice and watching long-standing norms be routinely broken.

From Salon • May 28, 2026

"I just didn't know what to do about it. I felt powerless."

From BBC • May 13, 2026

The family member who contacted Brand also wants the painting returned to the Goudstikker heirs, but the police are powerless as the theft has passed the statute of limitations.

From Barron's • May 11, 2026

Couldn’t do anything but cower with Wolf in the hollow, knowing he was too close to the gap -just two paces away -yet powerless to move.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver