What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
helpless
Example
The injured bird looked so helpless on the ground. [helpless: adjective]
Example
I felt helpless watching the news about the natural disaster. [helpless: adjective]
powerless
Example
The citizens felt powerless against the corrupt government. [powerless: adjective]
Example
I was powerless to stop the car from crashing into the tree. [powerless: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Powerless is more commonly used than helpless in everyday language. Powerless is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while helpless is less common and more specific in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between helpless and powerless?
Both helpless and powerless are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
