HELPLESSLY Synonyms: 98 Similar and Opposite Words

helpless

adjective

ˈhel-pləs

Definition of helpless

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

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of helpless The leading interpretation is that Smilodon delivered a single precise bite to the throat or belly, severing something vital in a target that was already helpless. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 Model and socialite Bella Hadid worried fans with a message saying Lyme disease has rendered her all but helpless. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 26 June 2026 But when his son Naseer was born in May 2025, Ajas Ahmed had never felt so helpless. — Kamala Thiagarajan, NPR, 21 June 2026 Over the course of a 60-yard run, Maradona danced past opponents, escaped challenges and left English defenders helpless before beating the goalkeeper with a clinical finish. — Cesar R. Torres, The Conversation, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for helpless

Recent Examples of Synonyms for helpless

Adjective

The European Union has banned AI that encourages dangerous behavior in vulnerable groups like children, and mandated transparency requirements for other chatbots.

— Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
Chiggers are soft bodied and are vulnerable to sharp microscopic material in diatomaceous earth.

— Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 22 July 2026

Definition of vulnerable

Adjective

The victim, who Cofield considered a romantic rival, survived the 2018 drive-by shooting but was left paralyzed from the waist down.

— Danny Robbins, AJC.com, 16 July 2026
Yuba City resident Michelle Reinhart said the disease left her essentially paralyzed, unable to move her hands or head for about two weeks after contracting the disease in 2015.

— Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026

Definition of paralyzed

Adjective

However, declining vaccination rates fueled by vaccine hesitancy have created pockets of susceptible individuals where the virus can spread quickly.

— Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026
The emotional discomfort is a result of feeling self-conscious about the appearance, and the physical is typically the result of excess tissue that's more susceptible to everyday irritation.

— Anonymous, Allure, 23 July 2026

Definition of susceptible

Adjective

Indeed, senior White House officials described themselves to me as almost powerless in the face of Israel’s emotional response to October 7th.

— David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
Antonelli’s move to win the sprint race, sailing past a powerless Hamilton on a straight, somewhat supported his theory.

— Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 15 July 2026

Definition of powerless

Adjective

Offensive guru Brian Daboll was pretty incompetent as the Giants’ coach and hit the bricks, and in walks Super Bowl winning coach John Harbaugh.

— Vic Tafur, New York Times, 17 July 2026
This show is about scheming, the weight of the crown, and incompetent brats who want to scheme to get their hands on the crown.

— Brian Grubb, Vulture, 6 July 2026