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

And wasn’t the world hard enough, without having to care for helpless children too? —Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025

In the midst of feeling helpless, Kate said an idea took shape to commemorate the victims. —Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Sep. 2025

However, Florida looked helpless at times due to the Bulls’ short-passing game. —Noah White, Miami Herald, 7 Sep. 2025

This burden of additional responsibilities and emotional labor with less resources lead many women to feel helpless, leaving divorce as the only escape. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 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