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powerless to vs powerless against

Both 'powerless to' and 'powerless against' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'Powerless to' is used when describing the inability to do something, while 'powerless against' is used when describing the inability to resist or overcome something.

Last updated: March 19, 2024 • 849 views

powerless to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to describe the inability to do something or the lack of power to act in a certain way.

Examples:

I felt powerless to change the situation.
She was powerless to resist the temptation.
He was powerless to stop the car.
They were powerless to prevent the accident.
The government was powerless to intervene.

Show examples from the web [+]

At the same time the burghers of Graaff Reinet also rebelled against the Cape authorities, who were powerless to suppress the insurrectionary movement.
2 : lacking the authority or capacity to act <was powerless to help> ... without power, strength, authority, or influence <He was powerless to stop them.> ...
DC Comics-Inspired Comedy Pilot Powerless To Air On NBC. By Sean K. Cureton; 50 mins ago; 8 Comments. Share; Tweet ...
I felt powerless to resist → no tuve fuerzas para resistir, no pude resistir we are powerless to help you → no podemos hacer nada para ayudarle they are ...

Alternatives:

unable to
incapable of
lacking the power to

powerless against

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to describe the inability to resist or overcome something, usually an opposing force or influence.

Examples:

The team was powerless against their opponents.
She felt powerless against the overwhelming emotions.
He was powerless against the disease.
They were powerless against the enemy's attack.
The company was powerless against the economic downturn.

Show examples from the web [+]

Satire is traditionally the weapon of the powerless against the powerful. I only aim at the powerful. When satire is aimed at the powerless, it is not only cruel -- it's ...
Why Amazon Has Been Powerless Against Beauty Stores. NA_151229. ELAINE LOW; 12/28/2015 5:27 PM EST. Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ...
Powerless Against You features ten larger than life romantic tales of superheroes or villains in love. Get immersed in the drama of keeping secret identities, ...
Chocoholism: The Science Behind Why You're Powerless Against Chocolate. 12/ 03/2015 11:19 am ET | Updated Dec 03, 2015. 210 ...

Alternatives:

unable to resist
helpless against
vulnerable to

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