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powerlessness
[ˈpaʊərləsnəs]
noun
impotência
1.
the state of being unable to act or influence events; lack of power or strength
She felt a sense of powerlessness when facing the bureaucracy.
Ela sentiu uma sensação de impotência ao enfrentar a burocracia.
2.
lack of legal or official authority to do something
The committee's powerlessness to enforce the rules frustrated everyone.
A impotência do comitê em fazer cumprir as regras frustrou todos.
3.
the condition of being weak or feeble
His powerlessness against the disease was heartbreaking.
Sua impotência contra a doença era angustiante.
Synonyms
helplessness
weakness
inability
impotence
frailty
vulnerability
Antonyms
power
strength
authority
capability
empowerment
potency
Regional Variations
General Brazilian
impotência
most common usage
General Brazilian
desamparo
emphasizes helplessness and abandonment
Portugal
impotência
standard usage, same as Brazilian
Portugal
fraqueza
when emphasizing weakness rather than lack of authority
Related Idioms & Phrases
feel powerless against something
at the mercy of
have one's hands tied
be at someone's beck and call
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