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
The pair share a complicated relationship from the early episodes of Season 1, where Sauron, disguised as a helpless traveler, wormed his way into her heart and good graces.
—
Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 8 May 2025
Anyone who’s waited for hours on end at an airport or who has been stuck in a major traffic jam knows the helpless feeling.
—Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
Especially when so many people have been rendered helpless in many ways because of the downward spiral of the news cycle.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 17 Apr. 2025
After playing just one division foe over the first six weeks of the season — a three-game sweep of the utterly helpless Colorado Rockies last month — the Dodgers are finally getting into the meat of their division schedule.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for helpless
Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 8 May 2025
Anyone who’s waited for hours on end at an airport or who has been stuck in a major traffic jam knows the helpless feeling.
—Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
Especially when so many people have been rendered helpless in many ways because of the downward spiral of the news cycle.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 17 Apr. 2025
After playing just one division foe over the first six weeks of the season — a three-game sweep of the utterly helpless Colorado Rockies last month — the Dodgers are finally getting into the meat of their division schedule.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for helpless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for helpless
Adjective
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But the program which pays for more than four of every 10 U.S. births is vulnerable to deep budget cuts — part of the cost of renewing Trump’s tax breaks that favor the wealthy.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
17 May 2025
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His callers represent a wide variety of people –– men, women, conservative Christians, truck drivers, veterans, police officers and farmers –– many of whom often heavily feel the stigma of struggling with mental health, being vulnerable and asking for help.—
Madeline Holcombe,
CNN Money,
17 May 2025
Adjective
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Is there a difference between being stuck and feeling paralyzed?—
Amy Lindgren,
Twin Cities,
17 May 2025
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But the duo, who were also romantically involved throughout their lives, saw their careers come to an end when Roy was attacked on stage by one of their live tigers, which damaged his spine and induced a stroke that left him partially paralyzed.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
12 May 2025
Adjective
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Recent research shows rural SMEs, those based outside city limits, may be more susceptible to financial risk posed by climate hazards.—
Claire Poole,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
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These mutations can make the cancer more aggressive but also potentially susceptible to a specific type of drug called a PARP inhibitor, especially if the cancer becomes resistant to hormone therapy.—
Jason P. Joseph,
The Conversation,
21 May 2025
Adjective
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The grand jury also criticizes city officials for weak oversight and enforcement of their contract with the Humane Society, which requires the nonprofit to enforce leash laws at 400 city parks and other venues.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 May 2025
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Thanks to a weak front sliding across Central Florida, Thursday will be a bit cooler than prior days.—
Garfield Hylton,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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Those impacted by the tornadoes largely stayed with friends and family or hauled generators out to their powerless homes.—
Lauren Penington,
Denver Post,
19 May 2025
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There is a powerless feeling that overcomes a team when an opposing player hits a series of difficult shots for which there is no defense.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
17 May 2025
Adjective
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The case stalled for years, in part due to concerns that Saleh was mentally incompetent to stand trial, court records show.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
24 May 2025
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The man accused of stalking Jennifer Aniston and crashing his car through her front gate was ruled incompetent for trial on Thursday but demanded a second opinion.—
Joseph Wilkinson,
New York Daily News,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Helpless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/helpless. Accessed 31 May. 2025.
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