helplessness

noun

Definition of helplessnessnext
as in powerlessness

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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 Welcome to the strange phenomenon of people expressing anger or helplessness to online content creators or writers who don’t acknowledge their specific lifestyles or limitations. — Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 16 July 2026 For many Venezuelans, the anger is rooted not in abstract politics but in intensely personal experiences of chaos, helplessness and institutional failure. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 29 June 2026 And to relegate yourself to that inert position so much does, at some level, inspire a certain helplessness in you. — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 26 June 2026 The earthquakes are among the strongest to hit the South American nation in more than a century, and for Chicagoans with family there, the strongest feeling today is helplessness. — Asal Rezaei, CBS News, 25 June 2026 There is a profound helplessness to that forlorn glance that the main broadcast could never capture. — Adam Hurrey, New York Times, 24 June 2026 Three hours later, when the team recognized the severity of the extravasation injury, professional awareness gave way to primal helplessness. — Nisha Narayanan, STAT, 5 June 2026 Linda wields her absolute power over Bradley like a cudgel, exploiting his helplessness to emotionally abuse and manipulate him. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 21 May 2026 The giant numbers on gas station signs become daily reminders of economic pressure, creating feelings of helplessness and financial insecurity, even among middle-income workers. — Bybryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for helplessness
  1. powerlessness
  2. vulnerability
  3. susceptibility
Noun
  • This sense of powerlessness, too, is a genuine aspect of a poet’s reality.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 June 2026
  • As far as going through life’s grand stages is concerned, this has been a double-whammy of pain and powerlessness.
    — Eric Koreen, New York Times, 21 June 2026
Definition of powerlessness
Noun
  • Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, usually an avenue for around 20% of the world's LNG trade, have underscored the importance of the project and highlighted the vulnerability of global energy supplies.
    — Emma Graham, CNBC, 21 July 2026
  • Rampant inflation and poverty fueled a wave of mass protests against the regime in January, and Israel sees the Iranian economy as one of the regime’s biggest vulnerabilities.
    — Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
Definition of vulnerability
Noun
  • Theories range from alien abductions to more scientific explanations like susceptibility to unexpected weather changes.
    — Andrea Romano, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2026
  • Alcohol and certain medications also raise susceptibility, including diuretics, tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics and some cold and allergy remedies.
    — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026
Definition of susceptibility

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helpless
helplessness
helpmate
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Cite this Entry

“Helplessness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/helplessness. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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