Main Entry: help·less

Pronunciation: \ˈhel-pləs; Southern often ˈhep-ləs also ˈheəp-\

Function: adjective

Date: before 12th century

1 : lacking protection or support : defenseless
2 a : marked by an inability to act or react <the crowd looked on in helpless horror — Current Biography> b : not able to be controlled or restrained <helpless laughter>

— help·less·ly adverb

— help·less·ness noun