What's the difference between "powerless" and "helpless" (and maybe "hopeless")?

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!

Solution 1:

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.

Berlusconi Says He’s Powerless to Topple Letta After Party Split
Accused Walmart Groper Tells Cops He Was Powerless Against An Enticing "Booty"

helpless implies having no ability to influence one's circumstances

lying ill and helpless; without a compass, he was helplessly lost; "as helpless as a baby"

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.

hopeless in his grief; hopeless at math; a hopeless romantic

and, unfortunately.

hopeless in his depression

a synonym of hopeless is forlorn

pitiable in circumstances; marked by or showing hopelessness

Solution 2:

Helpless implies a person is weak or fragile where as powerless implies the person a person in his/her current situation cannot do anything within his/her power. They are synonyms though and I guess its the context in which they are used. For example a CEO of a company in a tough situation can be described as powerless but a child can be described as helpless.