"powerless to" vs "powerless against"

Question

"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

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.

Alternatives:

unable to
incapable of
lacking the power to

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.

Alternatives:

unable to resist
helpless against
vulnerable to

Answer 1

powerless to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

powerless against

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"powerless to" vs "powerless against"

powerless to

powerless against

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