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powerlessness

intermediateB1

/ˈpaʊərləsnəs/ · pow-er-less-ness

The state of being unable to act or exert power.

psychology sociology daily literature

Meanings

nounformal

The state of being unable to act or exert power.

ایسی حالت جس میں کسی عمل یا طاقت کو استعمال کرنے کی اہلیت نہ ہو۔

بے اختیاری

be ikhtiyaari

Synonyms

impotence helplessness inabilityبے بسیکمزوریمعذوری

Antonyms

power strength authorityطاقتقوتاختیار

Common Collocations

sense of powerlessness
powerlessness in decision-making
feeling of powerlessness

Example Sentences

Many individuals experience a sense of powerlessness in difficult situations.

بہت سے افراد مشکل حالات میں بے اختیاری کا احساس کرتے ہیں۔

Bohat se afraad mushkil halaat mein be ikhtiyaari ka ehsaas karte hain.

Powerlessness can lead to feelings of frustration and despair.

بے اختیاری مایوسی اور بے چینی کا باعث بن سکتی ہے۔

Be ikhtiyaari mayoosi aur bechaini ka baais ban sakti hai.

The powerlessness of the poor is often exploited by those in authority.

غریبوں کی بے اختیاری اکثر اختیار والوں کی جانب سے فائدہ اٹھانے کے لئے استعمال کی جاتی ہے۔

Ghareebon ki be ikhtiyaari aksar ikhtiyar walon ki jaanib se faida uthane ke liye istemal ki jaati hai.

Easily Confused With

impotence:Impotence refers specifically to the inability to perform, especially in sexual contexts, while powerlessness is broader and can refer to a lack of ability or authority in various aspects.

helplessness:Helplessness is the condition of being unable to help oneself or act, while powerlessness emphasizes a lack of power or strength, which may or may not include helplessness.

Word Family

powerless

adjectiveبے اختیار

power

nounطاقت

💡 Memory Tip

Think of 'power' + 'less'; no power equals powerlessness.

Imagine a person unable to lift a heavy weight, symbolizing inability.

✍️ Urdu Poetry

نہ چاہیے عزت و غیرت، کس سے طلب کریں، بے اختیاری کی حالت میں کھڑے ہیں سب جہاں میں۔

Na chahiye izzat o ghairat, kis se talab karein, Be ikhtiyaari ki haalat mein kharay hain sab jahan mein.

We ask for honor and dignity from whom, in a state of powerlessness, we stand all in the world.

— Unknown, Unverified

* Poetry attribution is AI-generated and may require verification.

🗣️ Urdu Proverb

بے اختیاری میں بے زبانی ہوتی ہے۔

Be ikhtiyaari mein be zabaani hoti hai.

In powerlessness, there is silence.

📖 Etymology

Origin: English "power + less + ness" — the state of lacking power

First known use: 17th century

The term combines 'power' (strength or ability to act) with the suffixes 'less' (without) and 'ness' (state or condition). It highlights the absence of strength or ability.