helpless

helpless

adjective

Definition of HELPLESS

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, vulnerable

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

Phrases in the lurch

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

Antonyms guarded, invulnerable, protected, resistant, shielded

2

unable to act or achieve one's purpose <we watched, feeling helpless, as the vase slipped from her hand and crashed to the floor>

Synonyms hamstrung, handcuffed, helpless, high and dry, hog-tied, impotent, impuissant, paralyzed, weak

Related Words incapable, incompetent, ineffective, ineffectual, inept, unfit, useless; feeble, frail, infirm, passive, spineless, supine, unaggressive

Near Antonyms able, capable, competent, effective, efficient; authoritarian, autocratic (also autocratical), despotic, dictatorial, magisterial, tyrannical (also tyrannic); dominant, dynamic, energetic, forceful, robust, sturdy, tough, vigorous; important, major, significant; high-level, senior, top

Antonyms mighty, potent, powerful, puissant, strong