helpless

adjective

help·less ˈhel-pləs

Southern often ˈhep-ləs,

also ˈheəp-

Synonyms of helpless next

: lacking protection or support : defenseless

as helpless as a flock of shepherdless sheep—

W. H. Mallock

: marked by an inability to act or react

the crowd looked on in helpless horror—

Current Biography

: not able to be controlled or restrained

helpless laughter

helplessly adverb

helplessness noun

Examples of helpless in a Sentence

The civilians were helpless against their attackers. Firefighters were helpless against the blaze. I feel helpless. Isn't there anything I can do? The crowd was helpless with laughter. He was helpless with rage.

Recent Examples on the Web Our unpopular presidential candidates have policy agendas and a matching rhetoric that describe Americans as helpless victims in need of government salvation, whether through costly programs or a strong federal executive. —

Ryan Streeter, National Review, 8 Apr. 2024 But soon after, her mother got stranded on a gravel bed in the lagoon, where she was discovered, helpless, by a passing road maintenance crew on March 23. —

Andrew Jeong, Washington Post, 6 Apr. 2024 In a helpless state, the best friends decided to switch Detours and do the breakdance challenge. —

Christopher Kuhagen, Journal Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2024 Now this girl has to become a mother for her younger brothers, and a helpless illiterate father. —

Mathew Scott, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Mar. 2024 With her teammates feeding Crooks entry passes from different angles, a smallish Maryland team was helpless in the paint. —

Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 23 Mar. 2024 Why is our government so pitifully helpless to stop intrusive calls? —

Charles Hammer, Kansas City Star, 28 Feb. 2024 Perimeter defenders got caught in the gap, helpless to close out on a cavalry of Ducks shooters who finished the night 12 for 32 from behind the arc. —

Luca Evans, Orange County Register, 2 Feb. 2024 Yet suddenly, when the southern border is overwhelmed, when cities are filled with homeless migrants, when drugs and gangs and individuals on the terror watchlist are entering the United States, the president is helpless. —

Matthew Continetti, National Review, 2 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'helpless.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see help entry 1

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of helpless was before the 12th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Helpless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/helpless. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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Kids Definition

helpless

adjective

help·less ˈhel-pləs

: being without defense

: powerless

helplessly adverb

helplessness noun

Last Updated: 13 Apr 2024 - Updated example sentences

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helpless

adjective

Synonyms

Examples of helpless in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near helpless

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition