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 Our population feels sad, helpless, uneasy, fearful and worried — and with good reason. — Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Hundreds have felt helpless in the Via De La Paz, Pacific Palisades condominium complex, as the wildfire incinerated half of it. — Kara Finnstrom, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026 The wartime mood among European and American intellectuals was hopeless, or, rather, in her estimation, helpless. — David Denby, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026 And the sport — players in uniform and executives in suits alike — all march toward the cliff in shackles of their own design, seemingly helpless to find a compromise. — Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for helpless

Recent Examples of Synonyms for helpless

Adjective

Our movements should not be so vulnerable to the myth of individual leaders.

— Supriya Lopez Pillai, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
The Global Gift Gala is a philanthropic event organized to raise funds for vulnerable children, women, and families.

— Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of vulnerable

Adjective

Lindsay Clancy was accused of strangling the three children with workout bands and then attempted suicide, including by jumping out a window, leaving her paralyzed.

— Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026
Clancy later jumped from a second-story window in an apparent suicide attempt, which left her paralyzed from the waist down.

— Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of paralyzed

Adjective

The 49ers don’t have a deep defensive tackle room and are susceptible against the run, but if the 49ers’ offense can force opponents into passing scripts, Morris’ defense has a chance to surprise.

— Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Those navigating the market without the requisite knowledge or information are susceptible to potential outlier losses.

— David Capablanca, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of susceptible

Adjective

Ferries are a common method of travel and accidents occur regularly, in part due to weak enforcement of safety standards.

— IMAN SATRIA, Arkansas Online, 15 Sep. 2026
This time a year ago, a weak La Niña — El Niño’s cool counterpart — was in place, and only a handful of other years have had such a rapid flip to a potent El Niño, including the strongest ever event from 1982 to 1983.

— Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of weak

Adjective

Rocha has many friends in Washington, but his attempts to change González’s situation have left him feeling powerless.

— Jesús Rodríguez, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2026
And given her lifelong love of the breed, Farlow can understand why the couple may have been powerless to resist.

— David Mack, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026