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
Dealing with an emotionally unavailable partner is a tireless obstacle to climb — and the First Lady of OVO vulnerably opens up about her own experience, as her stirring vocals capture what can be a helpless feeling.
—
Christopher Claxton, Billboard, 31 Mar. 2025
More generally, some people are concerned that becoming too reliant on AI for menial and routine tasks could lead to us becoming over-reliant and helpless, perhaps even to the detriment of human problem-solving or decision-making ability.
—Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Asking for help isn’t the same as being helpless, Pryor noted.
—Megan Sauer, CNBC, 11 Apr. 2025
Students who feel lost, parents who feel helpless and households filled with tension rather than encouragement.
—Claudia Nachtigal, Baltimore Sun, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for helpless
Christopher Claxton, Billboard, 31 Mar. 2025
More generally, some people are concerned that becoming too reliant on AI for menial and routine tasks could lead to us becoming over-reliant and helpless, perhaps even to the detriment of human problem-solving or decision-making ability.
—Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Asking for help isn’t the same as being helpless, Pryor noted.
—Megan Sauer, CNBC, 11 Apr. 2025
Students who feel lost, parents who feel helpless and households filled with tension rather than encouragement.
—Claudia Nachtigal, Baltimore Sun, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for helpless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for helpless
Adjective
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However, despite these framework implementations, many businesses are still vulnerable to cyber threats.—
Vytautas Kaziukonis,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
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However, those with pre-existing heart or lung conditions, children, older adults, and people who are pregnant are particularly vulnerable.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Before the polio vaccine was introduced in 1955, tens of thousands of children were catching the disease every year; thousands of them died, and more were left paralyzed.—
Bruce Handy,
The Atlantic,
16 Apr. 2025
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Because tariffs are a type of taxation, Mr. Trump’s plan is among the largest tax increases in decades, analysts say, a policy change that sent the stock market reeling, paralyzed corporate investment and shoved the economy closer to a recession.—
Andrew Duehren,
New York Times,
5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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But the ride for Palantir has been far from smooth, and shares have been susceptible to volatile swings.—
Samantha Subin,
CNBC,
28 Apr. 2025
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Tovar, for example, researches specific genes that make people more susceptible to diabetes, which affects about 38 million Americans, including some who don't respond well to existing treatments.—
Brett Kelman,
NPR,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Weak Treasury Demand Moved Rates More recently, in the wake of the administration’s chaotic trade policy rollout, Treasury security auctions did not go as expected, with weak demand pushing rates up higher than everyone expected.—
Norbert Michel,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
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Iran was at its weakest point since the 1980s, maybe since the Iranian revolution in 1979.—
Quinn Scanlan,
ABC News,
27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The board was powerless to block or review the demolition application under the resiliency law.—
Andres Viglucci,
Miami Herald,
30 Apr. 2025
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The Astros offense remains powerless — only four teams have a lower slugging percentage, and just three have fewer home runs — but is being buoyed by a pitching staff that boasts baseball’s lowest WHIP.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The oligarchy is almost as incompetent and out of touch as is Trump.—
Robert B. Reich,
Hartford Courant,
17 Apr. 2025
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Lawyers for Mike Jeffries, 80, are hoping to place him in the custody of the Attorney General for further evaluation 1 Comments Lawyers for ex-Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries filed a motion on Thursday saying that their client is mentally incompetent to stand trial.—
Chris Spargo,
People.com,
11 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Helpless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/helpless. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
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