helpful

adjective

help·​ful ˈhelp-fəl 

Southern often ˈhep-

also ˈheəp-

: of service or assistance : useful

a helpful neighbor

helpful advice

just trying to be helpful

helpfully

ˈhelp-fə-lē 

adverb

helpfulness noun

Synonyms of helpful

• useful

Examples of helpful in a Sentence

A helpful neighbor shoveled our walkway.

a kind and helpful person

Recent Examples on the Web

After the earthquakes hit, Núñez tried to contact authorities – only to receive no helpful information. — Susana Erazo, CNN Money, 17 July 2026

In an interview with The Sacramento Bee, Gibanov said the restaurant’s landlords were especially helpful, advocating their needs through difficult financial periods. — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026

Trump’s dismal approval rating could prove helpful in Democrats' push to regain control of Congress in November’s midterms, as Tuesday’s poll showed Democrats leading Republicans by four percentage points. — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 15 July 2026

Orienting and situating new guests has been honed to a fine art, and the activities and general levels of service are well-supervised and helpful. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

see help entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing helpful

• come in useful/helpful

Rhymes for helpful

• unhelpful

Kids Definition

helpful

adjective

help·​ful ˈhelp-fəl 

: providing help

a helpful neighbor

helpfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

helpfulness noun