powerlessness

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "powerlessness" is correct and usable in written English.
It means a state of lacking power or control. Example: The victims of the natural disaster felt a sense of powerlessness as they watched their homes get destroyed by the strong winds and heavy rain.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Meanwhile Yasser Arafat, head of the Palestinian Authority (PA) and still leader of the biggest of those "moderate forces" Israel expects to take over in Gaza, remains marooned in his Ramallah headquarters, assailed by Palestinians outraged by the Israeli action but powerless to do anything about it.That powerlessness, concedes a PA minister, merely helps Hamas.

The Economist

But what's more, we occupied to remedy a feeling of profound political alienation and powerlessness: overcoming this was our greatest achievement.

The Guardian

Too many of us seem far too fond of narratives of our powerlessness, maybe because powerlessness lets us off the hook.

The Guardian - Opinion

Namely, the size and unaccountable power of the state; criminality and tax evasion among corporations; and the venality and powerlessness of official politics.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is not apathy that prevents people's participation in politics, it is the feeling of powerlessness over the very structures that rule them.

The Guardian - Opinion

On every occasion that I have clicked "share", a twinge in my stomach has reminded me of my own powerlessness and has made me feel guilty and vain for engaging in so-called slacktivism.

The Guardian

"This sense of powerlessness... is linked to poverty.

The Guardian

The chief minister blithely claimed ignorance or powerlessness.

The Economist

Then the European Commission took it to court, hunting was banned once more and poaching rocketed.Permitting some hunting can also mitigate the sense of powerlessness felt by people told they can do nothing to protect themselves from wild beasts.

The Economist

But the example of Russia and Ukraine shows that co-operation can break down and Japan/China tensions may cause something similar.Secondly, this powerlessness adds to voter dissatisfaction.

The Economist

Yet now, at long last, the air of invincibility which used to surround Mr Menem has dissipated.Since a presidential election is less than five months away, and Mr Menem is due to step down on December 10th, advancing powerlessness was inevitable.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing social or political issues, using "powerlessness" can effectively convey the sense of disenfranchisement or lack of influence experienced by certain groups.

Common error

Avoid implying that "powerlessness" is the same as apathy. "Powerlessness" suggests a lack of capacity or agency, while apathy indicates a lack of interest or concern, regardless of one's power.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "powerlessness" is that of a noun. It acts as a subject or object to represent the state or condition of lacking power. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "powerlessness" effectively conveys a lack of control or influence, frequently appearing in news, media, and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English writing. While it is often used to describe feelings of disenfranchisement, it's crucial not to confuse it with apathy, which implies a lack of interest. Alternative phrases such as "lack of control" or "sense of helplessness", may be suitable depending on the specific nuance desired. Best practice involves using "powerlessness" to accurately depict situations where agency is demonstrably absent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of control

Focuses on the absence of control rather than the state of being without power.

sense of helplessness

Emphasizes the feeling of being unable to help oneself or others.

lack of agency

Highlights the absence of the capacity to act independently.

state of impotence

Uses a more formal term to describe the inability to take effective action.

feeling of vulnerability

Shifts the focus to the feeling of being susceptible to harm due to a lack of power.

being at the mercy of

Expresses a situation where one is controlled by external forces.

without influence

Specifically denotes the absence of persuasive effect or sway.

inability to affect change

Directly addresses the incapacity to bring about alterations or improvements.

loss of authority

Indicates a decline or absence of legitimate power.

subjection

Suggests being under the control or domination of another.

FAQs

How can I use "powerlessness" in a sentence?

"Powerlessness" is a noun that describes a state of lacking power or control. For example: "The citizens felt a sense of powerlessness in the face of widespread corruption."

What words can I use instead of "powerlessness"?

Alternatives to "powerlessness" include "helplessness", "impotence", or "lack of control", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a feeling of powerlessness"?

Yes, "a feeling of powerlessness" is a perfectly acceptable and common expression. It describes the subjective experience of lacking power or control.

What's the difference between "powerlessness" and "vulnerability"?

"Powerlessness" refers to the lack of power or control, while "vulnerability" refers to the state of being susceptible to harm or attack. While related, "vulnerability" emphasizes exposure to potential negative consequences, while "powerlessness" emphasizes the lack of agency to prevent them.