helpless

adjective

help·less | \ ˈhel-pləs ;

Southern often ˈhep-ləs also ˈheəp- \

Definition of helpless

1 : lacking protection or support : defenseless as helpless as a flock of shepherdless sheep —W. H. Mallock

2a : 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

Other Words from helpless Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about helpless

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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

As a familiar cycle of thoughts and prayers set in, Ullman felt helpless and angry. — Bridget Read, Vogue, "Meet the Young Female Filmmaker With a Gun-Reform Super PAC," 2 June 2018 Simultaneously, the ordeal ruptures their inner sense of identity and self-reliance, making them, finally, totally emotionally helpless and dependent on the group’s particular charismatic Big Brother. — Win Mccormack, The New Republic, "A Mind’s Eye View of 1984," 12 Apr. 2018 Many drivers were left to feel helpless by the end of this wreck-filled night. — Edgar Thompson, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Emotion-filled 22-year-old Erik Jones captures chaotic Coke Zero Sugar 400," 9 July 2018 Cubs hitters were mainly helpless against Pirates pitching on a foggy day at Wrigley Field. — Teddy Greenstein, chicagotribune.com, "Cubs fall apart in 7-1 loss after Joe Maddon decides to pull Kyle Hendricks," 10 June 2018 As with so many other issues these days, the truth is helpless against it. — Drew Magary, GQ, "Why the Anthem Works For Trump," 6 June 2018 The Rockets seemed entirely helpless against the Warriors' suffocating, swarming defense to start the game, not only missing their first eight shots, but rarely getting any with much of a chance to fall. — Jonathan Feigen, Houston Chronicle, "Rockets rally in thrilling fourth quarter, hold off Warriors to even series," 22 May 2018 Each rape is a work of performance art, with costumes and props (including, in one unforgettable case, a dead cat) leaving the victims forever reliving the horrors inflicted on them and helpless to understand. — Lisa Miller, The Cut, "The Weaponized Amber Tamblyn," 8 July 2018 Balancing the neediness of her helpless husband with the constant grousing of her boss at a canning factory, Ramona persists, but is hardly rewarded for it. — John Defore, The Hollywood Reporter, "'2018 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour': Film Review," 4 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'helpless.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.