— powerlessly , adv. — powerlessness , n.
/pow"euhr lis/ , adj.
1. unable to produce an effect: a disease against which modern medicine is virtually powerless.
2. lacking power to act; helpless: His legs crumpled, and he was powerless to rise.
[ 1545-55; POWER + -LESS ]
Syn. 1. ineffective. 2. feeble, impotent, prostrate, infirm.