Bereft of power

USAGE SUMMARY

"bereft of power" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a situation or person lacking authority, influence, or strength. Example: "After the coup, the government was left bereft of power." Alternative expressions include "devoid of power" and "lacking power."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Bereft of power, Little Havana turns into a pocket of darkness at night, the only visible light coming from downtown skyscrapers and high-rises, which either never lost power during the storm or have already had it restored.

HuffPost

But the Communists have never been so bereft of power as they are now.

The New York Times

The censure of Senator Joseph McCarthy and the death of Robert A. Taft in the 1950s had left conservatives feeling bereft of power and influence, she writes, and Republicans had been losing more seats to a rejuvenated Democratic party.

The New York Times

The strong old man, the leader of the tribe — the city, the church, the state, the political party, or corporation — demands love as a tyrant demands tribute; and, bereft of power, he must, like Lear, plead for it like a beggar.

The New Yorker

If the surge had been just that much higher, subway tunnels would have flooded, segments of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Drive and roads along the Hudson River would have turned into rivers, and sections of the commuter rail system would have been impassable or bereft of power, he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Then, too, most of the nation's workers are bereft of bargaining power.

The New York Times

It begins with the Vedic trinity of Agni, Vayu and Indra boasting and posturing in the flush of a recent victory over a demon hoard – until they suddenly find themselves bereft of divine power in the presence of a mysterious yaksha, or forest spirit.

Wikipedia

In a community and race then bereft of political power, housed in society's castoffs and denied access to many of its cultural and educational centers, the Apollo Theater was a place of great pride, and it became a fabled institution of signal importance.

Huffington Post

Opponents of the theory of natural selection have long claimed that the theory is so treated by its proponents as to define fitness in terms of rates of reproduction, thus condemning the principle of the survival of the fittest to triviality: the claim that those organisms with higher rates of reproduction leave more offspring is an empty, unfalsifiable tautology bereft of explanatory power.

Communicative and Integrative Biology

In 1922 the Northern Territory Representation Act provided for a single representative, bereft of voting powers, in the federal parliament.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Only someone bereft of the powers of sight, hearing and access to a televison or the internet will be surprised that intelligent professional women are expected to look like Barbie dolls at a film festival.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bereft of power" to describe situations where there has been a loss or absence of influence, authority, or control, often implying a negative consequence or state of vulnerability.

Common error

Avoid using "bereft of power" in neutral contexts where a simple lack of authority is meant. The phrase often carries a sense of loss or deprivation, so ensure the context aligns with this connotation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bereft of power" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating a state of lacking authority, influence, or strength. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is used to describe entities that have lost or are missing a significant degree of control or potency.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bereft of power" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's used to describe a state of lacking authority, influence, or strength, often with a connotation of loss or deprivation. While not exceedingly common, the phrase appears in reliable sources like The New York Times and Huffington Post and is suitable for neutral to formal contexts. Be mindful of its connotation to ensure it fits the intended meaning; alternatives like "powerless" or "lacking authority" may be more appropriate in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Powerless

A more concise and direct way to express the absence of power.

Stripped of authority

Suggests a forceful removal of authority.

Lacking authority

Focuses specifically on the absence of official or legal authority.

Devoid of control

Stresses the absence of the ability to manage or direct.

Without influence

Highlights the absence of persuasive or controlling effect.

Impotent

Indicates a lack of effectiveness or ability to produce results.

Deficient in strength

Emphasizes a lack of physical or metaphorical strength.

Incapable

Focuses on the inability to perform actions due to a lack of power or resources.

Helpless

Highlights the inability to help oneself or others due to a lack of power.

Vulnerable

Emphasizes the susceptibility to harm due to the absence of protective power.

FAQs

How can I use "bereft of power" in a sentence?

You can use "bereft of power" to describe someone or something that lacks authority or influence. For example, "After the scandal, the CEO was left "bereft of power"".

What's a more straightforward way to say "bereft of power"?

Alternatives include "powerless", "lacking authority", or "without influence". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "devoid of power" the same as "bereft of power"?

While similar, "bereft of" often implies a loss or deprivation, whereas "devoid of" simply indicates an absence. "Bereft of" carries a stronger emotional weight than "devoid of".

Can "bereft of power" be used in a positive context?

Generally, no. "Bereft of power" typically carries a negative connotation, suggesting a disadvantageous or vulnerable state. It's best used in contexts where the lack of power is seen as a drawback or problem.