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

• 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

Her precocity gives the novel its wit, but Shteyngart is also alert to the fact that a child, however bright, is fundamentally helpless. Not to mention desperate for her parents’ affection, which is in short supply for Vera. —Mark Athitakis, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2025

Evans stood next to a small boat, clad in waders and helpless to stop the rising waters. —Keisha Rowe, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025

If a narrative focuses on the problem but doesn’t propose a solution, then people are likely to walk away from it feeling helpless. —Turcois Ominek, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025

The American Kennel Club says that newborn puppies enter the world completely helpless. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 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