become powerless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become powerless" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone or something loses strength, influence, or control. Example: "After the sudden changes in management, the once influential leader began to feel as if he would become powerless in the new structure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"If you over-esteem great men, people become powerless".

The Guardian - Books

But now it is the people in the UK who have become powerless.

The Guardian - Music

The pattern has become almost familiar, so much so that Dr. Khan's death was called unsurprising by many moderate Muslims, who complain that the government has become powerless in the face of the extremists.

The New York Times

It unfolds with mythic sweep, telling the most compelling story of all, the one I cover every day in politics: What happens when the powerless become powerful and the powerful become powerless?

The New York Times

Both individual investors and mutual fund managers have become powerless in the face of this high-frequency trading, some of which has nothing to do with the calculated or perceived value of a company or stock.

The New York Times

Under the condition lack of description of them, most of algorithms analyzing QSAR become powerless.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Its use against malaria was short-lived, ending in the 1950s, because it so quickly became powerless.

The New York Times

He once said: 'Music begins at the point where the word becomes powerless as an expressive force.' The difficulty about this in terms of the opera is that mystery, without psychological insight, can become a bore.

The Guardian - Music

She said she would prefer to take her life whilst still physically capable of acting alone - even if mentally unprepared for death - rather than risk her condition degenerating until she became powerless.

The Guardian

When the existing paradigm ceases to function properly and becomes powerless and hopeless against problems created by itself, an increasing number of scientists begin to alienate it from scientific discipline and begin to behave anomalously.

Business Research

Pompey, in effect, became powerless.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become powerless" to describe a gradual or sudden loss of authority or control, especially in contexts where influence diminishes due to external factors or internal failings.

Common error

Avoid using "become powerless" as a justification for inaction. Even in situations where power seems diminished, proactive measures can still be taken to regain influence or adapt to the changing circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become powerless" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating a transformation into a state of lacking power or authority. As Ludwig suggests, it describes the process of losing influence or control, often due to external factors or internal weaknesses.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "become powerless" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that describes the process of losing power or influence. Ludwig's AI confirms its usability across various contexts. It is most frequently found in news, scientific, and general informational sources, indicating a neutral formality level. While semantically related alternatives such as "lose influence" or "become ineffective" exist, "become powerless" effectively conveys a transition to a state lacking authority. Use it accurately to depict a loss of control, and avoid misinterpreting it as a purely passive state. As highlighted by Ludwig, even in seemingly powerless situations, proactive measures remain crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lose influence

Focuses on the reduction of persuasive ability.

become ineffective

Highlights the inability to produce a desired effect.

lose control

Emphasizes the inability to manage or direct a situation.

be rendered helpless

Suggests a state of being unable to help oneself.

be stripped of authority

Implies a formal removal of power or right.

be disenfranchised

Highlights the loss of rights and privileges.

be subjugated

Suggests being brought under control by force.

be overcome

Indicates being defeated or overpowered.

fall into insignificance

Highlights the loss of importance or relevance.

succumb to weakness

Emphasizes yielding to a lack of strength or resilience.

FAQs

How can I use "become powerless" in a sentence?

You can use "become powerless" to describe a loss of authority or influence. For instance, "The government "became powerless" in the face of widespread protests."

What are some alternatives to "become powerless"?

Alternatives include "lose influence", "become ineffective", or "lose control". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "became powerless" or "become powerless"?

Both are correct, depending on the tense required. "Became powerless" is past tense, while "become powerless" is present tense or infinitive. For example, "They feared they would "become powerless" if they didn't act."

What's the difference between "become powerless" and "lose power"?

"Become powerless" describes the process of losing power, while "lose power" is a more general statement of the loss. "Become powerless" often implies a gradual decline or a reaction to specific events.