as in helpless
unable to act or achieve one's purpose
the inadequate supplies of vaccine left many people high and dry when the flu season arrived
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Recent Examples of high and dry
The American people overwhelmingly rate Social Security as the most important program in our country and oppose cuts that would leave our seniors high and dry.
—
Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025
Astronomers say the location is both high and dry enough to provide clear skies for observing the universe.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 23 June 2025
Users across social media — including, notably, kpop stans, who command a large and organized following online — implored their followers to get involved, reserving tickets to the rally with the intent of leaving the stadium open and the president high and dry.
—Emily Baker-White, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
Emerging research has found that historically, high and dry parts of the Everglades — like pine rocklands — are in fact designed to burn around every four years.
—Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for high and dry
Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025
Astronomers say the location is both high and dry enough to provide clear skies for observing the universe.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 23 June 2025
Users across social media — including, notably, kpop stans, who command a large and organized following online — implored their followers to get involved, reserving tickets to the rally with the intent of leaving the stadium open and the president high and dry.
—Emily Baker-White, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
Emerging research has found that historically, high and dry parts of the Everglades — like pine rocklands — are in fact designed to burn around every four years.
—Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for high and dry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for high and dry
Adjective
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At first, the doctor’s sympathies would be with the family, who seemed helpless given their lack of autonomy and the dictates of their circumstances.—
Ayşegül Savaş,
New Yorker,
12 Oct. 2025
-
Cheryl Harris Gates, 43, of Charlotte, is also charged with contaminating food or drink to render one mentally incapacitated or physically helpless; stalking; and damage to property.—
Joe Marusak,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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In addition, the left side of his face became paralyzed.—
Kimberly Nordyke,
HollywoodReporter,
19 Oct. 2025
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In August, Elon Musk’s Neuralink expanded to the UK with a clinical study testing its brain chip to help paralyzed patients control devices through thought.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The economy has withstood weak role creation precisely because the pool of applicants is shrinking.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
20 Oct. 2025
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The defensive line took advantage of a weak Auburn O-line, sacking Arnold five times.—
Maddie Hartley,
Kansas City Star,
19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Devil in Disguise also presents the Chicago Police Department as incompetent in its mission to protect and serve.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
16 Oct. 2025
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All of the charges were ultimately discharged after she was found incompetent for court proceedings by a doctor.—
David Clarey,
jsonline.com,
14 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“High and dry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/high%20and%20dry. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
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