1
as in vulnerable
lacking protection from danger or resistance against attack
after the storm we found a helpless baby bird that had fallen out of its nest
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in paralyzed
unable to act or achieve one's purpose
we watched, feeling helpless, as the vase slipped from her hand and crashed to the floor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of helpless
Dealing with an emotionally unavailable partner is a tireless obstacle to climb — and the First Lady of OVO vulnerably opens up about her own experience, as her stirring vocals capture what can be a helpless feeling.
—
Christopher Claxton, Billboard, 31 Mar. 2025
More generally, some people are concerned that becoming too reliant on AI for menial and routine tasks could lead to us becoming over-reliant and helpless, perhaps even to the detriment of human problem-solving or decision-making ability.
—Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Asking for help isn’t the same as being helpless, Pryor noted.
—Megan Sauer, CNBC, 11 Apr. 2025
Students who feel lost, parents who feel helpless and households filled with tension rather than encouragement.
—Claudia Nachtigal, Baltimore Sun, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for helpless
Christopher Claxton, Billboard, 31 Mar. 2025
More generally, some people are concerned that becoming too reliant on AI for menial and routine tasks could lead to us becoming over-reliant and helpless, perhaps even to the detriment of human problem-solving or decision-making ability.
—Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Asking for help isn’t the same as being helpless, Pryor noted.
—Megan Sauer, CNBC, 11 Apr. 2025
Students who feel lost, parents who feel helpless and households filled with tension rather than encouragement.
—Claudia Nachtigal, Baltimore Sun, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for helpless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for helpless
Adjective
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However, despite these framework implementations, many businesses are still vulnerable to cyber threats.—
Vytautas Kaziukonis,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
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However, those with pre-existing heart or lung conditions, children, older adults, and people who are pregnant are particularly vulnerable.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Before the polio vaccine was introduced in 1955, tens of thousands of children were catching the disease every year; thousands of them died, and more were left paralyzed.—
Bruce Handy,
The Atlantic,
16 Apr. 2025
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Because tariffs are a type of taxation, Mr. Trump’s plan is among the largest tax increases in decades, analysts say, a policy change that sent the stock market reeling, paralyzed corporate investment and shoved the economy closer to a recession.—
Andrew Duehren,
New York Times,
5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Those who are not vaccinated are susceptible to the disease, Calendar said.—
Robert A. Cronkleton,
Kansas City Star,
17 Apr. 2025
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Bigleaf hydrangeas are susceptible to moisture loss through their large leaves and may require extra irrigation during the heat of summer.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Weak Treasury Demand Moved Rates More recently, in the wake of the administration’s chaotic trade policy rollout, Treasury security auctions did not go as expected, with weak demand pushing rates up higher than everyone expected.—
Norbert Michel,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
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That’s why he’s been able to generate so much weak contact over the years.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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His teammate and several others jumped him and left him powerless to fight it.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
12 Apr. 2025
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But the problem with placing blame on these outside factors is that focusing on what is beyond one’s control leaves them powerless, by definition.—
Bruce Tulgan,
Forbes.com,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The oligarchy is almost as incompetent and out of touch as is Trump.—
Robert B. Reich,
Hartford Courant,
17 Apr. 2025
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Lawyers for Mike Jeffries, 80, are hoping to place him in the custody of the Attorney General for further evaluation 1 Comments Lawyers for ex-Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries filed a motion on Thursday saying that their client is mentally incompetent to stand trial.—
Chris Spargo,
People.com,
11 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Helpless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/helpless. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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