helpful

1 of 2

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

helpfulness

2 of 2

noun

help·​ful·​ness

-fəlnə̇s

plural -es

: the quality or state of being helpful

the … helpfulness of reference books

—C. B. Shaw

Synonyms of helpful

Adjective

• useful

Examples of helpful in a Sentence

Adjective

A helpful neighbor shoveled our walkway.

a kind and helpful person

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The most helpful thing, however, was having access to Stallone himself. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 26 Sep. 2026

Public or nonprofit assistance programs could be helpful, depending on the bill and your situation. — Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026

Not only that, but the Echo Glow can set routines, which is helpful for keeping your kids on track and maintaining schedules. — George Yang, PC Magazine, 25 Sep. 2026

For parents hoping to get a jump on holiday shopping, especially before the most popular toys start selling out, the list can be a helpful place to start. — ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

see help entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

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