machtlos
Translation
powerless, helpless, impotent
Examples
Er fühlte sich der Situation gegenüber machtlos.
He felt powerless in the face of the situation.
Die Bürger waren machtlos gegen die neue Regelung.
The citizens were powerless against the new regulation.
Grammar Patterns
to be powerless ((against sth.)) Er war machtlos gegen das Schicksal.
Similar Words
Synonyms: hilflos (helpless), wehrlos (defenseless); Antonyms: mächtig (powerful), stark (strong)
Etymology
From 'Macht' (power, might) + the suffix '-los' (-less). Literally 'power-less'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'might-less'. Someone without might is powerless. The connection is very direct.