198 Another Word for Powerlessness? – Powerlessness Synonyms & Antonyms

Want to say powerlessness differently? Here are other words for powerlessness and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.


Meaning of powerlessness

The state of being unable to act or influence events.

Etymology of powerlessness

The word "powerlessness" originates from the Old English and Old French words "power" and "less", with "power" derived from the Old French "poeir" or "poer", and "less" derived from the Old English "lēas", meaning without or devoid of.
Historically, the concept of powerlessness has been used to describe a range of social, political, and psychological phenomena, including the experience of oppressed groups, the effects of trauma, and the impact of social and economic inequality.

Synonyms

helplessness weakness impotence ineffectiveness inability incapacity feebleness frailty debility infirmity paralysis paralysis of will paralysis of action hopelessness despair despondency desolation desperation futility uselessness ineptness incompetence inadequacy insufficiency deficiency lack want need dependency subjugation subordination enslavement bondage oppression repression suppression domination control manipulation exploitation vulnerability susceptibility sensitiveness sensitization exposure openness receptiveness responsiveness impressionability

Definitions

  • The state of being unable to act or influence events, or a lack of power or authority.
  • * A feeling of being unable to control or influence events, or a lack of confidence or self-efficacy.

Usage Examples

  • The community felt a sense of powerlessness in the face of government corruption and abuse of authority.
  • * The experience of poverty and unemployment left her with a deep-seated feeling of powerlessness.
  • * The natural disaster left the town with a sense of powerlessness, as they struggled to recover and rebuild.

Antonyms

omnipotence omnipresence invincibility invulnerability indestructibility infallibility irresistibility irresistibleness potency potentiality capability capacity ability competence efficiency effectiveness efficacy adequacy sufficiency strength might force energy vigor dynamism empowerment enablement authorization autonomy self-determination independence freedom liberation emancipation enfranchisement

Related Adjectives

powerless helpless weak feeble frail debilitated incapacitated paralyzed crippled enfeebled enervated exhausted drained depleted diminished reduced lessened minimized undermined subverted subdued subjugated oppressed repressed suppressed dominated controlled manipulated exploited disempowered disenfranchised marginalized excluded neglected ignored overlooked disregarded vulnerable susceptible sensitive impressionable receptive responsive

Related Nouns

vulnerability susceptibility weakness fragility feebleness frailty debility infirmity paralysis helplessness hopelessness despair despondency desolation desperation futility uselessness ineptness incompetence inadequacy insufficiency deficiency lack want need dependency subjugation subordination enslavement bondage oppression repression suppression domination control manipulation exploitation

Related Verbs

weaken debilitate disable incapacitate paralyze cripple enfeeble enervate exhaust drain deplete diminish reduce lessen minimize undermine subvert subdue subjugate oppress repress suppress dominate control manipulate exploit disempower disenfranchise marginalize exclude neglect ignore overlook disregard
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