helpless

adjective

help·​less ˈhel-pləs 

Southern often ˈhep-ləs

also ˈheəp-

1

: lacking protection or support : defenseless

… as helpless as a flock of shepherdless sheep …

—W. H. Mallock

2

a

: marked by an inability to act or react

The crowd looked on in helpless horror …

—Current Biography

b

: not able to be controlled or restrained

helpless laughter

helplessly adverb

helplessness noun

Synonyms of helpless

• vulnerable
• susceptible

Examples of helpless in a Sentence

The civilians were helpless against their attackers.

Firefighters were helpless against the blaze.

I feel helpless. Isn't there anything I can do?

The crowd was helpless with laughter.

He was helpless with rage.

Recent Examples on the Web

The blast rings out as the helpless attorney watches in horror. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 22 July 2026

Schiavio is slipped in on the right and his first-time shot goes in off the crossbar with Planicka a mere, helpless spectator. — Adam Hurrey, New York Times, 17 July 2026

While he’s been fighting in Troy, his palace has been overrun by men who want to marry his faithful wife, Penelope (Anne Hathaway), and murder his helpless son, Telemachus (Tom Holland). — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026

The grandfather is seen running around a few trees, but the bison soon catches up and tosses the helpless visitor eight feet in the air. — Suzanne Yeo, ABC News, 13 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

see help entry 1

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

helpless

adjective

help·​less ˈhel-pləs 

1

: being without defense

2

: powerless

helplessly adverb

helplessness noun