Definition of the word powerless

Pronunciation of vocabulary powerless

powerlessadjective

bất lực

/ˈpaʊələs//ˈpaʊərləs/

Origin of the word powerless

"Powerless" is a compound word, combining the Old English word "power" and the suffix "-less," meaning "without." "Power" itself has roots in the Latin "potentia," meaning "power, strength, ability," tracing back to the verb "posse," meaning "to be able." So, "powerless" literally means "without power," referring to the lack of strength, ability, or influence. It was first recorded in the 14th century, reflecting a long-standing understanding of the concept of being without the means to act.

Vocabulary summary powerless

typeadjective

meaningimpotent; powerless

meaningpowerless, powerless

meaningcompletely unable (to help...)

Example of vocabulary powerlessnamespace

meaning

without power to control or to influence somebody/something

không có quyền kiểm soát hoặc ảnh hưởng đến ai/cái gì

  • powerless minorities

    thiểu số bất lực

  • When the enemy attacked, we were completely powerless against them.

    Khi kẻ thù tấn công, chúng ta hoàn toàn bất lực trước chúng.

  • As children we all feel powerless.

    Khi còn nhỏ, tất cả chúng ta đều cảm thấy bất lực.

meaning

completely unable to do something

hoàn toàn không thể làm gì đó

  • I saw what was happening, but I was powerless to help.

    Tôi đã nhìn thấy những gì đang xảy ra, nhưng tôi bất lực để giúp đỡ.

  • The Embassy seemed powerless to intervene.

    Đại sứ quán dường như bất lực trong việc can thiệp.

Extra examples:
  • People feel powerless over the problem.

    Mọi người cảm thấy bất lực trước vấn đề này.

  • They felt powerless in the face of disaster.

    Họ cảm thấy bất lực trước thảm họa.

Words, synonyms, related vocabulary powerless

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