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 What feels like a weight of helplessness and sorrow on our shoulders may, with enough space, also reflect our remarkable capacities for strength, steadfastness, and compassion. — Robert M. Kinast, STAT, 3 Nov. 2026 Gulf officials at a summit in Bahrain talked up the need for diplomacy to solve the region’s security crisis, yet a sense of helplessness hung over the atmosphere. — Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026 Although the film is not true to some parts of the book, which caused some controversy among staunch King fans, Kubrick does bring to life the terrors King so aptly wrote about, including domestic abuse, isolation, helplessness, and alcoholism. — Radhika Seth, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for helplessness
  1. powerlessness
  2. vulnerability
  3. susceptibility
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
Definition of powerlessness
Noun
  • Buried in Róisín is a great album in the spirit of Tirzah, Dawuna, or, like, Cody ChesnuTT, that would locate the organic vulnerability of the outsider in the surreal enclosure of the bedroom studio.
    — H.D. Angel, Pitchfork, 9 Nov. 2026
  • Smith’s vulnerability proved to be just what the doctor ordered for Kansas City’s struggling pass rush.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of vulnerability
Noun
  • Severity depends on the amount of bacteria that’s inhaled, the strain that’s involved and individual susceptibility, Vanrompay says.
    — Rachel Melegrito, Scientific American, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Studies of these families have helped identify potential susceptibility genes for lung cancer and environmental risk factors.
    — Estelamari Rodriguez, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of susceptibility

Browse Nearby Words

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 12 Nov. 2026.

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