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。