empowered

USAGE SUMMARY

'empowered' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is used to refer to someone feeling strong, or having the resources or authority to do something. Example: She felt empowered to make a difference in her community.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Twitter has empowered feminists to monitor whether its own harassment policies are enforced – and to see whether the "uninhibited online speech" of one group is preventing the uninhibited online speech of another.

The Guardian - Opinion

"In addition, the executing officer or a person assisting is empowered to leave a warrant premise temporarily and subsequently re-enter to continue the execution of the warrant in certain instances where, for example, the occupier returns home and the covert nature of the warrant is at risk.

The Guardian

If those constitutional changes were made, the people of Wales would be empowered – if they wanted it – to seek a referendum on independence.

The Guardian

Sachindra Narayan, a prominent Patna-based social scientist with the National Human Rights Commission in Delhi, said: "The prime reason [for the violence] is that [Dalits] feel empowered after seeing someone from their community at the head of the state and have begun to assert their rights.

The Guardian

Doctors, nurses, managers and other staff are empowered to improve care without having to seek permission to do so and members of the trust's executive team work as much as coaches and mentors as senior leaders in the organisation.

The Guardian

Genuinely informed, engaged and empowered patients are a force for good.

The Guardian

The government was empowered both to control private factories and set up its own, and women were summoned to enlist on a register for work.

The Guardian

I am essentially a brand these days, so it is important my customers feel the figurehead of the brand is empowered to make design decisions.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He added that in order for the NHS to progress, general practice needs to be empowered and issues of burnout addressed.

The Guardian

"We continue to be confident that the senior officials who will be representing the interests of Saudi Arabia at the meeting are empowered not just to represent the views of Saudi Arabia but also to implement any decisions that are made," said press secretary Josh Earnest when first asked about Salman's withdrawal.

The Guardian

Farmers have been empowered to improve their own lives through accessing critical agricultural information as opposed to depending on aid.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "empowered" consider also the audience of the writing and its potential perception.

Common error

Avoid using "empowered" excessively in corporate or bureaucratic contexts, as it can come across as cliché or insincere. Opt for more specific and concrete language to describe the actual changes in responsibility or authority.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "empowered" is as a past participle or adjective. As a past participle, it's used in passive voice constructions. As an adjective, it describes someone who has been given power or authority. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "empowered" is a versatile term widely used to describe the state of having gained authority, ability, or control. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally positive, it is important to be mindful of overuse and potential jargon. Use it to convey a sense of agency, and remember that synonyms like "given authority" or "enabled to" can add precision depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

given the power

Directly states the bestowal of power, emphasizing potential influence.

enabled to

Indicates that the means or opportunity to do something has been provided.

invested with power

Similar to 'given the power', but with a more formal or official connotation.

given authority

Focuses on the formal granting of power or permission.

delegated authority

Focuses on the transfer of responsibility and decision-making.

authorized to

Stresses the official permission or sanction to perform an action.

made capable

Highlights the development of skills and abilities to achieve something.

equipped to

Emphasizes the provision of necessary resources or tools.

in a position to

Highlights the advantageous circumstances that allow action.

strengthened

Suggests an increase in inner strength or resilience.

FAQs

How can I use "empowered" in a sentence?

You can use "empowered" to describe someone who has been given the authority or ability to do something. For example, "The training program "enabled them" to take on new responsibilities."

What are some alternatives to "empowered"?

Some alternatives include "given authority", "enabled to", or "authorized to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always positive to describe someone as "empowered"?

While generally positive, the term "empowered" can sometimes be perceived as jargon or as a way to deflect from systemic issues. Ensure the context supports the genuine delegation of power and resources.

What is the difference between "empowered" and "enabled"?

"Empowered" often implies a granting of authority or control, while "enabled" suggests providing the means or opportunity. One could be "equipped to" do something (enabled), but not necessarily have the authority to make decisions (empowered).