powerlessness

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.

The anguish he feels, his powerlessness to control his responses, his shame and frustration—at Katie and himself—are expressed with such raw feeling that the performance can be hard to watch.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

"Everything should have led you to resign," she added, pointing to the government's "powerlessness".

From Barron's • Jan. 23, 2026

That tension between omnipotence and powerlessness is captured in a word: adolescence.

From Salon • Dec. 14, 2025

“There’s this sense of powerlessness, of not being the captain of your own ship,” said their daughter Beatrix Zilinskas.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 30, 2025

Our visit was brief, and as I was led back to Section B my mind was still dwelling on Winnie, and I was plagued by the feeling of powerlessness and my inability to help her.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela