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
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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
All were helpless to slow Carolina’s running game.
—
Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2025
This is obvious enough in the contrast between the aggressive takedown in humor and the helpless surrender in tears.
—Big Think, 23 Sep. 2025
The series also starred Portia de Rossi as the family's layabout daughter, Lindsay; David Cross as her aspiring actor husband, Tobias; Alia Shawkat as their teen daughter, Maeby; Jessica Walter as the family's elitist matriarch, Lucille; and Tony Hale as the dynasty's helpless youngest son, Buster.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Sep. 2025
With its single Xenomorph antagonist, its cramped environment, and its fairly helpless cast of characters, a video-game adaptation sounds like an exercise in pure dourness.
—Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for helpless
Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2025
This is obvious enough in the contrast between the aggressive takedown in humor and the helpless surrender in tears.
—Big Think, 23 Sep. 2025
The series also starred Portia de Rossi as the family's layabout daughter, Lindsay; David Cross as her aspiring actor husband, Tobias; Alia Shawkat as their teen daughter, Maeby; Jessica Walter as the family's elitist matriarch, Lucille; and Tony Hale as the dynasty's helpless youngest son, Buster.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Sep. 2025
With its single Xenomorph antagonist, its cramped environment, and its fairly helpless cast of characters, a video-game adaptation sounds like an exercise in pure dourness.
—Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for helpless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for helpless
Adjective
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His full project showcases his vivid, vulnerable songwriting, cementing Slone as one of country music’s most compelling new voices.—
Jessica Nicholson,
Billboard,
3 Nov. 2025
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Mackinac Bridge officials recorded the highest wind gust Monday morning, 49 mph, prompting an advisory and escorts across the span for vulnerable vehicles like motorcycles, pickup trucks with campers and other high-profile vehicles.—
Sarah Moore,
Freep.com,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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In addition, the left side of his face became paralyzed.—
Kimberly Nordyke,
HollywoodReporter,
19 Oct. 2025
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In August, Elon Musk’s Neuralink expanded to the UK with a clinical study testing its brain chip to help paralyzed patients control devices through thought.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The deterioration in the labor market has been concentrated in payroll employment, which is the [datapoint] that is the most susceptible to demographic and immigration changes.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
4 Nov. 2025
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However, Arizona's hot and dry desert climate made Gilbert susceptible to drought and wildfires, causing the low ranking in natural disaster risk.—
Paige Moore,
AZCentral.com,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The company attributed the decline to weak demand, shifting some shipments to Q4 and an unfavorable mix.—
Meghan Hall,
Sourcing Journal,
3 Nov. 2025
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It is considered a serious condition and can be dangerous or life-threatening, especially to older adults, people with weak immune systems and pregnant women.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
Freep.com,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The uncertainty and high stakes surrounding major events like natural disasters and election outcomes often leave people feeling powerless, which can heighten anxiety—especially when they’re personally impacted.—
Sandra Rose Salathe,
Flow Space,
29 Oct. 2025
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Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said the city is powerless to stop a state contractor’s controversial plan to convert a former West Roxbury nursing home into a homeless shelter for families and migrants as community opposition intensifies.—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The interview was one of Gille's first public appearances since a judge ruled him incompetent to stand trial in August.—
Natalie Davies,
Freep.com,
30 Oct. 2025
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The thing that makes Slow Horses work so well — in addition to the action and pacing and farting — is that everyone on this show is incompetent in their own special little way.—
Brian Grubb,
Vulture,
29 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Helpless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/helpless. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
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