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

Then the Capitals kept pouring it on, and the Sharks looked helpless to stop them. —Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 4 Dec. 2025

Ron is left a turtle on his back, helpless, before his colleagues. —Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2025

The Commanders’ offense has looked repeatedly helpless in recent weeks, and now gets to stare down one of the best defensive lines in the league fresh off a bye. —Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 30 Nov. 2025

This isn’t a coincidence—clearly Kay is happy to violate and maim young, helpless people with the same cruelty that consumes Vecna. —Rory Doherty, Time, 28 Nov. 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