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The word "无能为力" is formed by sequentially combining the characters 无 (meaning "without"), 能 (meaning "ability"), 为 (meaning "to do"), and 力 (meaning "strength"), where 无 negates 能, and 为力 acts as a verb-object phrase, resulting in a literal composition that expresses the condition of having no ability to apply strength, thereby conveying the meaning of being powerless or incapable.

Example Sentences Hide

我对此无能为力。

Wǒ duì cǐ wú néng wéi lì.

I am powerless about this.

他对这件事无能为力。

Tā duì zhè jiàn shì wú néng wéi lì.

He is powerless about this matter.

面对自然灾害，人类常常无能为力。

Miàn duì zìrán zāihài, rénlèi chángcháng wú néng wéi lì.

Facing natural disasters, humans are often powerless.

尽管他想帮忙，但对此情况却无能为力。

Jǐnguǎn tā xiǎng bāngmáng, dàn duì cǐ qíngkuàng què wú néng wéi lì.

Even though he wants to help, he is powerless about this situation.

在科技尚未突破的领域，科学家们有时也会感到无能为力。

Zài kējì shàng wèi tūpò de lǐngyù, kēxuéjiā men yǒushí yě huì gǎndào wú néng wéi lì.

In areas where technology has not yet made breakthroughs, scientists sometimes feel powerless.

Word Definition - 无能为力

wú néng wéi lì powerless; helpless; unable to do anything about it

Individual Character Details

无 mó, wú
能 néng, néng
为 wéi, wèi, wéi, wèi
力 lì, lì