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 His strike took a wicked deflection off Lewis Brunt, and the ball looped beyond the helpless Callum Burton. — James Pearce, New York Times, 30 July 2026 The blast rings out as the helpless attorney watches in horror. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 22 July 2026 While he’s been fighting in Troy, his palace has been overrun by men who want to marry his faithful wife, Penelope (Anne Hathaway), and murder his helpless son, Telemachus (Tom Holland). — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026 The grandfather is seen running around a few trees, but the bison soon catches up and tosses the helpless visitor eight feet in the air. — Suzanne Yeo, ABC News, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for helpless

Recent Examples of Synonyms for helpless

Adjective

And while global child mortality data for 2025 won’t be available for several months, health officials are already bracing for a surge in deaths among the world’s youngest and most vulnerable.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
District leaders warned that the move could leave CPS vulnerable to midyear cuts if the money doesn’t materialize.

— Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of vulnerable

Adjective

Implantable systems that enable paralyzed people to operate computers, wheelchairs, cursors, and other equipment with just their thoughts have been shown by Neuralink and other initiatives.

— Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Karwowski came across his photo on social media and immediately recognized the seriousness of his condition, having previously cared for a paralyzed cat.

— Pat Mueller, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of paralyzed

Adjective

The two phantoms were designed to be adult females, since previous research found that breasts and ovaries are especially susceptible to radiation damage.

— Charles Q. Choi, Space.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Without claim-level review capabilities, employers remain susceptible to inaccurate reimbursements regardless of efficiencies achieved through administrative processes.

— Bruce Roffe, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of susceptible

Adjective

Many forex brokers respond to weak rankings by publishing more market guides, adding country pages and building links.

— David Ispiryan, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Slow money growth means weak nominal growth and low inflation, which in turn keeps interest rates and bond yields depressed—and the yen weak.

— Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of weak

Adjective

Everyone, at some point, feels imperfect or incompetent and has doubts about making the right choices.

— Gregory Stebbins, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Porterville holds adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities who have come in contact with the legal system and are either incompetent to stand trial or deemed a risk to themselves or others.

— Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026