helpless

1 of 2

adjective

help·​less ˈhel-pləs 

Southern often ˈhep-ləs

also ˈheəp-

1

: lacking protection or support : defenseless

… as helpless as a flock of shepherdless sheep …

—W. H. Mallock

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

helplessly adverb

helplessness noun

helplessness

2 of 2

noun

help·​less·​ness

plural -es

: the quality or state of being helpless

Synonyms of helpless

Adjective

• vulnerable
• susceptible

Examples of helpless in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

Yes, there were moments of humor, such as getting magic potions around the campfire at the end of each stage by whacking helpless little elves, but most of it was played straight, to great effect. — Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Our population feels sad, helpless, uneasy, fearful and worried — and with good reason. — Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Hundreds have felt helpless in the Via De La Paz, Pacific Palisades condominium complex, as the wildfire incinerated half of it. — Kara Finnstrom, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026

The wartime mood among European and American intellectuals was hopeless, or, rather, in her estimation, helpless. — David Denby, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

see help entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

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

Kids Definition

helpless

adjective

help·​less ˈhel-pləs 

1

: being without defense

2

: powerless

helplessly adverb

helplessness noun