Entry Word: helpless

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 lacking protection from danger or resistance against attack <after the storm we found a helpless baby bird that had fallen out of its nest>

Synonyms defenseless, exposed, susceptible, undefended, unguarded, unprotected, unresistant, unshielded, vulnerable

Related Words indefensible, untenable; uncovered, unsafe, unsheltered; overcome, preyed (on or upon); disarmed, passive, resistless, unarmed; feeble, frail, weak; abandoned, marooned

Phrases in the lurch

Near Antonyms defensible; covered, fortified, safe, secure, screened, sheltered; armed, armored; immune, impenetrable, impregnable, invincible, strong, unassailable, unbeatable, unconquerable

Antonyms guarded, invulnerable, protected, resistant, shielded

2 unable to act or achieve one's purpose <the baby birds had fallen out of their nest, and their parents were helpless> — see powerless