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
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
Without such equipment an army is helpless, no matter how brave, well-trained, and numerous its soldiers may be.
—John Fischer, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
The wave of conflicting and often inaccurate or incomplete information leaves consumers, particularly those already experiencing financial hardship, feeling overwhelmed, confused, frustrated and helpless.
—Sandy Anderson, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
And wasn’t the world hard enough, without having to care for helpless children too?
—Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for helpless
Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025
Without such equipment an army is helpless, no matter how brave, well-trained, and numerous its soldiers may be.
—John Fischer, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
The wave of conflicting and often inaccurate or incomplete information leaves consumers, particularly those already experiencing financial hardship, feeling overwhelmed, confused, frustrated and helpless.
—Sandy Anderson, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
And wasn’t the world hard enough, without having to care for helpless children too?
—Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for helpless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for helpless
Adjective
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Patrick Mahomes and the reigning AFC champion Chiefs look more vulnerable than in years past and are just 2-2 entering Monday night’s game against the Jaguars.—
James Boyd,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
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The people who are most vulnerable to the hard-to-breathe air that comes with climate change may inadvertently be adding to the problem, new research finds.—
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Turmail pointed to the Brent Spence Bridge’s paralyzed development as a prime example of regulations, including permitting requirements, impeding progress.—
Emily Hallas,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Oct. 2025
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The passenger suffered serious injuries that will leave her paralyzed from the waist down, according to the affidavit.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Avoid using a trimmer or weed whacker close to tree trunks, as these tools may damage bark and leave fruit trees more susceptible to disease.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Oct. 2025
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In some cases, immunity from prior vaccination may have diminished over time, leaving them more susceptible if vaccine coverage falls and infections spread more widely.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Stevenson has become more intentional with his efforts to understand offensive concepts and routes and the ways opposing teams often attack his weak spots.—
Dan Wiederer,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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But this weaker god jumped in without hesitation and was gifted the ability to become Tonatiuh, the sun.—
Michael Schulman,
New Yorker,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Of course, the US doesn't operate in that way and, more than a year out from the midterms, voters feel powerless.—
Kate Plummer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
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Its 93-page deregulatory manifesto reads like a wish list for turning passengers into powerless customers.—
Christopher Elliott,
USA Today,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Although Beijing has outcompeted Washington in Myanmar up to this point, the junta’s woefully incompetent management of its currency and foreign reserves presents an opportunity for the United States to recalibrate its approach to the country.—
Dan Swift,
Foreign Affairs,
30 Sep. 2025
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California, with its weak and incompetent Governor, has been particularly hard hit!—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Helpless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/helpless. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.
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