Synonyms of high and dry

high and dry

adjective

as in helpless

unable to act or achieve one's purpose

the inadequate supplies of vaccine left many people high and dry when the flu season arrived

Synonyms & Similar Words

• helpless
• paralyzed
• weak
• incompetent
• powerless
• impuissant
• impotent
• passive
• incapable
• useless
• handcuffed
• unfit
• ineffective
• hog-tied
• hamstrung
• feeble
• ineffectual
• inept
• supine
• infirm
• spineless
• unaggressive
• frail

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• powerful
• strong
• effective
• able
• efficient
• mighty
• capable
• potent
• competent
• important
• major
• dominant
• dynamic
• tyrannical
• despotic
• authoritarian
• significant
• tough
• autocratic
• dictatorial
• vigorous
• robust
• autocratical
• sturdy
• puissant
• magisterial
• energetic
• forceful
• top
• senior
• tyrannic
• high-level

Examples of high and dry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

How much longer will the Navy be left high and dry? —Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 11 June 2024

Doesn’t matter who’s fault that is, UConn, and its current players, deserve better than to be left high and dry in June. —Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 8 June 2024

In some places, dramatically downsizing or shuttering a hospital means leaving a swath of the city high and dry, desperate for an ER or clinic or ambulatory unit. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 28 Jan. 2024

Treasure Valley residents craving a cocktail by the Boise River may be distressed to learn that the Legislature has left them high and dry. —Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 9 June 2024