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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of helpless
When employees bring problems to their leaders, a dangerous dynamic often emerges, one that turns capable professionals into helpless children and transforms managers into overbearing parents.
—
Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
For the first time in his life, the great shark couldn’t swim freely and, panic-stricken, bolted clear of his world and there was only emptiness, and his tail and pectoral fins were helpless in the void.
—Pat Smith, Outdoor Life, 24 July 2025
As Schumer’s Stock Falls, Here’s Who’s Vying to Lead Democrats Against Trump
Too often, government appeared, at best, helpless to curb the harmful excesses, and, at worst, a willing collaborator in the profitable carnage.
—Time, 16 July 2025
The 38-year-old Argentine captain delighted the home crowd in the 17th minute, converting a free kick with a bending left-footed shot that went beneath Nashville’s jumping wall, through the space the defenders left open and past helpless goalkeeper Joe Willis.
—Miami Herald, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for helpless
Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
For the first time in his life, the great shark couldn’t swim freely and, panic-stricken, bolted clear of his world and there was only emptiness, and his tail and pectoral fins were helpless in the void.
—Pat Smith, Outdoor Life, 24 July 2025
As Schumer’s Stock Falls, Here’s Who’s Vying to Lead Democrats Against Trump
Too often, government appeared, at best, helpless to curb the harmful excesses, and, at worst, a willing collaborator in the profitable carnage.
—Time, 16 July 2025
The 38-year-old Argentine captain delighted the home crowd in the 17th minute, converting a free kick with a bending left-footed shot that went beneath Nashville’s jumping wall, through the space the defenders left open and past helpless goalkeeper Joe Willis.
—Miami Herald, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for helpless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for helpless
Adjective
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Light: Some investors worry mid-caps are more vulnerable to market volatility.—
Larry Light,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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The report was rife with errors, including citations to some studies that didn’t exist, but experts agree that children are especially vulnerable to the negative effects of ultraprocessed foods.—
Deidre McPhillips,
CNN Money,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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That fortune extended to Rice himself, who could have been maimed or paralyzed or otherwise unable to walk away.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
18 July 2025
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At the wedding of one of her clients, matchmaker Lucy knows just what to ask when the bride-to-be becomes paralyzed by trepidation.—
Angelica Jade Bastién,
Vulture,
25 June 2025
Adjective
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Long-term effects of alcohol can also lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease and a weakened immune system that can make individuals susceptible to getting infections.—
Omer Awan,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
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However, this preference puts the species at risk for habitat loss as these areas are often susceptible to human disturbances, according to the study.—
Lauren Liebhaber,
Miami Herald,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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And if tariffs only cause a one-time jump in prices, weaker purchasing power could slow the economy.—
Raul Elizalde,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
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The airline cited weak travel demand and financial challenges.—
Michael Salerno,
AZCentral.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Promising synchronized voting for mayor and presidential is a promise that the commission is powerless to deliver.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
21 July 2025
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For disillusioned progressives feeling powerless to stop President Trump’s initiatives, La Follette’s career exemplifies the value of rejecting the siren song of frustration and complacency in favor of persistence in pursuing progressive ideals.—
Time,
Time,
16 July 2025
Adjective
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At that time, Mollie Keen was diagnosed with an incompetent cervix, which is when the lower part of the cervix begins to open (dilate) too early, typically in the second trimester, the release shared.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
28 July 2025
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Basically, how others will judge you for moving on, if you’ll be seen as incompetent or immoral for quitting.—
Vicki Salemi,
Boston Herald,
20 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Helpless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/helpless. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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