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
But as the river changes course the town could soon be left high and dry and that's fueling a border dispute with neighboring Peru.
—
John Otis, NPR, 7 Sep. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for high and dry
John Otis, NPR, 7 Sep. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for high and dry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for high and dry
Adjective
-
People eventually outgrow the helpless-baby stage.—
Anna Louie Sussman,
The Atlantic,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Without money and without a means to earn it, women are helpless to determine the course of their own lives.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
In a heartbreaking video, a partially paralyzed dog is caught twitching his paws in his sleep, and internet users can’t stop sobbing.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Nov. 2025
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After suddenly losing her voice in November 2022, Williams-Paisley was later diagnosed with a partially paralyzed vocal cord.—
Christopher Rudolph,
PEOPLE,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Western countries could exploit weak points in supply chains for many of Russia's advanced fighter jets, including by tightening up sanctions as Ukraine strikes Russia's industrial facilities, according to a new report.—
Ellie Cook,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Nov. 2025
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Respiratory difficulty, constipation, poor feeding, drooping eyelids and a weak and altered cry are among the symptoms of infant botulism.—
Chad Murphy,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Under California law, people who are found incompetent to stand trial must be sent to a state hospital or secure mental health care facility.—
Nathaniel Percy,
Oc Register,
7 Nov. 2025
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He was found to be incompetent to face the charge in August 2023, and later civilly committed for a mental illness.—
Nick Ferraro,
Twin Cities,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“High and dry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/high%20and%20dry. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
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