Don't they all involve not having the power to do things? I guess being hopeless is a little different, in that it does involve not having power but that it's permanent. Like hopeless that depression lifts or employment improves or weather gets better. You couldn't be hopeless if you did have the power to change it.
But "helpless" and "powerless" are more difficult for me to distinguish. When people are depressed, they can experience helplessness but for some reason psychologists don't use the word "powerless." But aren't they the same? So like if somebody was abused, you say you were feeling so "helpless" in that situation but I can imagine you could as easily say you were powerless.
Please help me tell them apart. Thanks!
Best Answer
Powerless, helpless, and hopeless are three distinct conditions.
powerless implies that a person does indeed have power over outcomes, but in a particular circumstance, has lost that power.
helpless implies having no ability to influence one's circumstances
It is neutral; there is no judgement of the baby who has no power, the lost hiker, or the infirm. A synonym might be hapless: unlucky, luckless, unfortunate
hopeless implies an almost voluntary letting go of the ability to affect one's circumstances, and is viewed as somewhat negative. At best, it means no hope of change, but at worst, it connotes a personal failure.
and, unfortunately.
a synonym of hopeless is forlorn