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What is another word for Powerlessness? – 208 Powerlessness Synonyms

    Need another word for Powerlessness? Use these synonyms of Powerlessness from our thesaurus to say it differently.


    Synonyms & Similar Words

    helplessness weakness impotence ineffectiveness inability incapability feebleness frailty debility disability paralysis paralysis of will paralysis of action inaction indecision indecisiveness irresolution ineptness incompetence inefficacy inefficiency uselessness futility hopelessness despair despondency resignation defeatism submissiveness subjection enslavement bondage servitude dependency dependence vulnerability susceptibility exposure defenselessness powerlessness weakness inadequacy insufficiency shortcoming limitation constraint restriction hindrance obstruction impediment

    Meaning of Powerlessness

    The primary meaning of the word "Powerlessness" refers to a state of being without power or strength, either physically, emotionally, or socially.

    Definitions

    • The state of being unable to control or influence events or situations
    • * A lack of power or strength, either physical or mental
    • * The condition of being unable to act or make decisions effectively

    Etymology of Powerlessness

    The word "Powerlessness" has its roots in the Old English words "power" (from the Old French "poeir" or "poer", and from the Latin "potere", to be able) and the suffix "-less" (from the Old English "-lēas", meaning without)
    Historically, the term has been used to describe a range of situations, from physical weakness to social or political disenfranchisement

    Example Uses

    • The community felt a sense of powerlessness in the face of the natural disaster
    • * The politician's powerlessness to effect change was evident in the lack of progress on key issues
    • * The feeling of powerlessness can be overwhelming when faced with a serious illness

    Antonyms & Near Antonyms

    empowerment strength potency capability capacity ability skill expertise mastery dominance control influence authority power might force effectiveness efficacy efficiency productivity competence confidence self-assurance assertiveness decisiveness determination resolve resilience resourcefulness autonomy independence self-sufficiency freedom

    Related Nouns

    vulnerability susceptibility exposure risk danger threat weakness frailty disability handicap limitation constraint restriction hindrance obstruction impediment barrier obstacle challenge problem difficulty dilemma predicament quandary uncertainty ambiguity doubt fear anxiety apprehension insecurity instability

    Related Verbs

    disable weaken undermine sabotage cripple paralyze stifle suppress restrain restrict limit hinder obstruct impede block bar prevent forbid prohibit ban enfeeble debilitate incapacitate disenfranchise marginalize exclude oppress tyrannize dominate control manipulate coerce force

    Related Adjectives

    helpless weak feeble frail disabled handicapped limited constrained restricted hindered obstructed impeded blocked barred prevented forbidden prohibited banned enfeebled debilitated incapacitated disenfranchised marginalized excluded oppressed tyrannized dominated controlled manipulated coerced forced vulnerable susceptible exposed risky dangerous threatening weak powerless ineffectual ineffective inefficient useless futile hopeless despairing despondent resigned defeatist submissive enslaved bonded servile dependent inadequate insufficient deficient lacking incomplete unfinished