Young King William was virtually powerless when he succeeded his father in 1878.

The President, while calling for a "balanced approach," seemed virtually powerless.

The tunnel is so dark that a bicycle light is virtually powerless.

The strong leadership system has meant that members of minority parties are virtually powerless, and some go years without passing legislation.

The police have been virtually powerless in face of impenetrable Afghan feuds.

He conceded that they were virtually powerless to do anything again until the license comes up for renewal.

Technically, the Democrats are virtually powerless to force a vote.

While the Government can crack down on protests, it seems virtually powerless to stop the flow of information and ideas.

Yet he conceded that the opposition was virtually powerless.

The minority members now complain that they are virtually powerless.