1
as in vulnerable
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 & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in paralyzed
unable to act or achieve one's purpose
we watched, feeling helpless, as the vase slipped from her hand and crashed to the floor
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of helpless
Her husband said the crash has left him feeling helpless.
—
Melissa Chan, NBC news, 8 June 2025
Even if a new microorganism adapted to space or some other environment were to cause disease, humans still wouldn’t necessarily be helpless, Adalja said.
—Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Without subpoena power, the NCAA is rendered helpless in these cases.
—Cj Moore, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Those teachings equip staff with tools to not immediately call police or feel helpless in the face of a conflict, Negrete said.
—Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for helpless
Melissa Chan, NBC news, 8 June 2025
Even if a new microorganism adapted to space or some other environment were to cause disease, humans still wouldn’t necessarily be helpless, Adalja said.
—Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Without subpoena power, the NCAA is rendered helpless in these cases.
—Cj Moore, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Those teachings equip staff with tools to not immediately call police or feel helpless in the face of a conflict, Negrete said.
—Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for helpless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for helpless
Adjective
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Critics argue that these immigration raids instill fear in vulnerable communities and may infringe on constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.—
Billal Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 June 2025
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Now Congress is threatening these laws, which will leave hundreds of millions of Americans vulnerable to AI harm by abolishing those state law protections.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
23 June 2025
Adjective
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In the past, contestants have admitted to experiencing a wide range of emotions in this particularly vulnerable moment: overwhelmed, nervous, paralyzed, and yeah, even terrified.—
Frederick Dreier,
Outside Online,
13 June 2025
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Morgan learned that her husband was effectively paralyzed and unable to speak.—
David W. Brown,
New Yorker,
12 June 2025
Adjective
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Vulnerability: Dependence on encryption methods makes our personal information susceptible to quantum attacks.—
Jackie Shoback,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
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Justin Strnad played a ton last year and mostly held up well, but relying on him and Cody Barton for a big chunk of last year after Singleton tore his ACL is part of what made the Broncos more susceptible in the middle of the field as the season went along.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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Total textile and apparel exports declined from $44.4 billion in fiscal year 2022 to $35.8 billion in fiscal year 2024 (ending March 31), due to weak global demand and elevated production costs.—
Mayu Saini,
Sourcing Journal,
27 June 2025
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And while the unemployment rate remains low, hiring has been weak, leaving those without jobs struggling to find new work.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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Women weren’t supposed to be powerless anymore, exactly; Katherine owned a rifle and showed her kids how to use a shotgun.—
Alexis Okeowo,
New Yorker,
16 June 2025
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Researchers suggest that often, their natural need for connection with their parents renders the golden child powerless to choose their well-being over the relationship.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2025
Adjective
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Not currently found mentally incompetent to vote by a court.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2025
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Pop culture has abetted this disheartening pattern, consistently depicting fathers as incompetent ...—
Gregory M. Collins,
National Review,
15 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Helpless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/helpless. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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