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
Her husband said the crash has left him feeling helpless.
—
Melissa Chan, NBC news, 8 June 2025
Even if a new microorganism adapted to space or some other environment were to cause disease, humans still wouldn’t necessarily be helpless, Adalja said.
—Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Without subpoena power, the NCAA is rendered helpless in these cases.
—Cj Moore, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Those teachings equip staff with tools to not immediately call police or feel helpless in the face of a conflict, Negrete said.
—Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for helpless
Melissa Chan, NBC news, 8 June 2025
Even if a new microorganism adapted to space or some other environment were to cause disease, humans still wouldn’t necessarily be helpless, Adalja said.
—Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Without subpoena power, the NCAA is rendered helpless in these cases.
—Cj Moore, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Those teachings equip staff with tools to not immediately call police or feel helpless in the face of a conflict, Negrete said.
—Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for helpless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for helpless
Adjective
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Without proper documentation and preparation, families face difficult decisions during medical emergencies, potential exploitation of vulnerable members, and devastating conflicts that can create lasting family rifts.—
Matthew F. Erskine,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
-
Avoid direct sun exposure: Protect yourself and check on vulnerable relatives and neighbors.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
23 June 2025
Adjective
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For Maria, shifting health care policies have left her feeling paralyzed.—
Kff Health News,
Oc Register,
26 June 2025
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Heavenly Ever After After decades of working as a loan shark to support herself and her paralyzed husband, Lee Hae-sook (Kim Hye-ja) dies shortly after his passing and arrives in Heaven.—
Regina Kim,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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Vulnerability: Dependence on encryption methods makes our personal information susceptible to quantum attacks.—
Jackie Shoback,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
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Justin Strnad played a ton last year and mostly held up well, but relying on him and Cody Barton for a big chunk of last year after Singleton tore his ACL is part of what made the Broncos more susceptible in the middle of the field as the season went along.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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The inference here is that women’s speech is coded as weak and men’s, the direct opposite.—
Megan C. Reynolds,
Time,
27 June 2025
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Total textile and apparel exports declined from $44.4 billion in fiscal year 2022 to $35.8 billion in fiscal year 2024 (ending March 31), due to weak global demand and elevated production costs.—
Mayu Saini,
Sourcing Journal,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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While the Supreme Court has ruled the president is powerless to fire him, Trump may name a new chair early in a bid to undermine Powell, whose term has 11 months left to run, The Wall Street Journal reported.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
27 June 2025
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Instead of covering the news from the narrow perspective of the political and corporate elite, Moyers gave voice to the powerless and the issues that affect them.—
Carmel Dagan,
Variety,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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Some seemed to be downright incompetent, Marquez told the jury.—
Jason Meisner,
Chicago Tribune,
30 June 2025
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The defense has argued that others possibly killed O’Keefe inside that home and that the police were either too incompetent or corrupt to investigate that angle.—
Lance Reynolds,
Boston Herald,
23 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Helpless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/helpless. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
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