How Do You Spell POWERLESS?

Pronunciation: [pˈa͡ʊələs] (IPA)

The word "powerless" is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as /paʊərləs/. This word is made up of two syllables, with the primary stress on the first syllable. It is a compound word that combines the base word "power" and the suffix "-less" meaning without. The "ow" sound in the first syllable is pronounced like "ow" in "cow," and the second syllable ends with a schwa sound, making the word relatively easy to remember and pronounce correctly. The spelling of "powerless" accurately represents its sound.

POWERLESS Meaning and Definition

1. Powerless, as an adjective, refers to lacking the ability, control, influence, or strength to perform or affect something. It often conveys a sense of helplessness, vulnerability, or being at the mercy of external circumstances.

   The term "powerless" can be used to describe both individuals and entities. When applied to individuals, it suggests a lack of personal agency or control over a particular situation or outcome. It implies a state of being unable to assert oneself or accomplish goals due to external factors or limitations beyond one's control.

   On a broader scale, "powerless" can describe groups, organizations, or even societies that lack authority or influence. Such entities may find themselves in a subordinate or marginalized position, unable to shape policies, make decisions, or affect change. This sense of powerlessness often arises from imbalances in social, economic, or political dynamics.

   Moreover, "powerless" can also encompass a physical or emotional aspect. Physically, it denotes a lack of physical strength or incapacitation. Emotionally, it implies feeling overwhelmed, defeated, or devoid of inner strength, resilience, or self-determination.

   In summary, "powerless" describes a condition or state characterized by the absence of control, influence, strength, or ability to effect change or assert oneself. Whether applied to individuals or broader entities, the term communicates a sense of helplessness, vulnerability, or being at the mercy of external forces.

2. Destitute of power; weak.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for POWERLESS *

• poweless 66.6666666%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for POWERLESS

• powerlesss
• poweres
• dowerlesss
• owerless
• dowerness
• owenrless
• powereless
• powreless
• poleoless
• shwerless
• pryerless
• owenless
• owerles
• pouerness
• powerlesnes
• Powerlew

Etymology of POWERLESS

The word "powerless" is derived from the combination of two English words: "power" and "less".

The word "power" originated from the Old French word "povoir", which can be traced back to the Latin word "potēre", meaning "to be able". Over time, the Middle English word "power" came into use, referring to the ability or capacity to control, influence, or act with force.

The suffix "-less" is added to "power" to form "powerless". "-Less" is derived from the Old English suffix "-leas", meaning "without" or "lacking". When added to "power", "-less" creates the adjective "powerless", which means lacking or devoid of power, ability, or control.

Therefore, etymologically, the word "powerless" suggests a lack of power or the inability to exert control or influence.

Similar spelling words for POWERLESS

• powerlessly,
• peerless.