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

• defenseless
• exposed
• susceptible
• undefended
• unguarded
• unprotected
• unresistant
• vulnerable

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

In his only opportunity as the starter, Davis smashed a helpless Jets team for 152 total yards on 23 touches. —Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025

Because without them, we are often left with a patient who is terrified, paranoid, screaming, or striking out — and a family that is exhausted, helpless, and scared. —Dr. Sabooh Mubbashar, Hartford Courant, 27 Apr. 2025

While beloved by most New Yorkers, the city was helpless to preserve the station because no law existed to prevent its destruction. —Michael S. Hiller, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2025

Undermine growth and development so people feel stuck and helpless. —Csaba Toth, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025

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