Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having little power to do work; of low power or capacity: Describes a machine, engine, device, or system that operates with a relatively small amount of energy, force, or output. It often implies limited strength, performance, or effectiveness compared to standard or high-powered alternatives.

Usage

The adjective "low-powered" is used attributively (before a noun) to describe the limited capability of an object or system. It is commonly applied in technical, mechanical, and comparative contexts. - It modifies nouns like engine, motor, computer, microscope, laser, or radio. - It can sometimes be used figuratively to describe something as weak or ineffective.

Examples

• Technical/Mechanical Context:
  • The lawnmower was low-powered and struggled with thick grass.
  • They installed a low-powered pump for the small fountain.
• Electronics/Computing Context:
  • This low-powered chip is designed for mobile devices to save battery life.
  • The signal was weak because we were using a low-powered transmitter.
• Figurative Use:
  • The committee was a low-powered group with little authority to make changes. (This use is less common.)

Advanced Usage

• "low-powered" vs. "underpowered": While similar, "low-powered" is often a neutral descriptor of specification (e.g., a ), whereas "underpowered" typically carries a negative connotation, suggesting something has insufficient power for its intended task.
  • The car's low-powered engine is fine for city driving. (Neutral fact)
  • The car's underpowered engine makes highway merging dangerous. (Negative judgment)

Variants and Related Words

• Low-power (adjective): Often used interchangeably with "low-powered," especially in compound nouns.
  • The device has a low-power sleep mode.
• Underpowered (adjective): Having less power than is necessary or desirable.
• High-powered (adjective): The direct antonym, meaning having great power or force.

Synonyms

• Weak
• Low-capacity
• Low-output
• Low-energy

Antonyms

• High-powered
• Powerful
• High-performance
• Potent

Related Phrases/Compounds

• Low-powered microscope: A microscope with low magnification.
• Low-powered state: A mode in electronics where minimal energy is used.
• Low-powered engine: An engine with small displacement or low horsepower.

Adjective

1. having little power to do work
   • a low-powered engine