The authorities seem powerless to stem the rising tide of violence

　　當(dāng)局似乎無力阻止愈演愈烈的暴力活動。

　　Despite its lack of formal power the nobility was not powerless.

　　盡管沒有正式的權(quán)力，貴族階層并非沒有權(quán)勢。

　　If you don't have money, you're powerless.

　　如果你沒有錢，就寸步難行。

　　He was sympathetic, but powerless to help.

　　他表示同情，但愛莫能助。

　　They feel scared and powerless in conveyor-belt hospital wards.

　　在千篇一律的病房里，他們感到恐懼而又無能為力。