The authorities seem powerless to stem the rising tide of violence
当局似乎无力阻止愈演愈烈的暴力活动。
Despite its lack of formal power the nobility was not powerless.
尽管没有正式的`权力，贵族阶层并非没有权势。
If you don't have money, you're powerless.
如果你没有钱，就寸步难行。
He was sympathetic, but powerless to help.
他表示同情，但爱莫能助。
They feel scared and powerless in conveyor-belt hospital wards.
在千篇一律的病房里，他们感到恐惧而又无能为力。