helplessness

Definition of helplessnessnext

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 helplessness Could Kleist’s conjecture provide a key to their seeming vacancy, their resignation, their helplessness, suggesting that in their benighted condition lies spiritual perfection? — Matthew McLean, Artforum, 22 Sep. 2026 There are also horrifying incidents of helplessness and despair, as well as touching examples of hope, faith and redemption. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 20 Sep. 2026 There is a particular sort of helplessness that comes from knowing exactly how to fix a computer while being hundreds of miles away from it. — New Atlas, 18 Sep. 2026 As Josephine’s mother, Claire, Chan is luminous with quiet sorrow, conveying maternal guilt and helplessness with precision. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026 To watch Shaw in full flight must fill defences with a sense of pure helplessness. — Katie Whyatt, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026 Picture the anger and helplessness of watching that person bleed out through a video on your phone. — Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 13 Aug. 2026 At this moment, complete inertia, helplessness, or escape seemed to be the only ways to react, but Zionism offered a strategy for coping with the changing circumstances, a strategy that had begun with Theodor Herzl. — Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2026 Indignation emerged as the dominant emotion, cited by 80% of respondents, followed by helplessness (74%) and sadness (71%). — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for helplessness
Noun
  • The study was designed to examine the psychological effects of authority and powerlessness in a prison setting, according to the university.
    — Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2026
  • New characters are introduced, many interesting details are offered, yet the narration never loses its focus, every sentence adding to the characters’ mounting sense of powerlessness in the face of such a tragic death.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Either way, Rahimi balances the character’s clear vulnerability with just enough ambiguity about his plans for the school, accentuated through Majidi’s restrained and naturalistic approach.
    — Kambole Campbell, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • And in a war that is as much about economics as explosives, this may be the vulnerability that the Houthis, and Iran, are banking on.
    — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 10 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Meanwhile, those with the highest genetic susceptibility to ADHD were found to have a 35% greater risk of dementia than those with the lowest susceptibility.
    — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Indeed, the trillion-dollar Belt & Road Initiative is in large part a defensive maneuver, born of a desire to reduce China’s susceptibility to maritime threats from the US by looking inland to the vast Eurasia continent.
    — Andy Browne, semafor.com, 6 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Helplessness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/helplessness. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

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