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
Relevance
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 high and dry
Kelly left Notre Dame high and dry.
—
Mike D. Sykes, For The Win, 10 Jan. 2025
The only instance in his coaching career was in 2018 when LeBron James left the Cavaliers high and dry with a rotation that nobody could win with.
—Shane Young, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
A lot of members of boy bands — and there are a lot of them — had managers who left them high and dry.
—Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Dec. 2024
Last month’s flood that hit the Porter County Elections & Registration Office has left the staff high and dry, still homeless until repairs are completed.
—Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for high and dry
Mike D. Sykes, For The Win, 10 Jan. 2025
The only instance in his coaching career was in 2018 when LeBron James left the Cavaliers high and dry with a rotation that nobody could win with.
—Shane Young, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
A lot of members of boy bands — and there are a lot of them — had managers who left them high and dry.
—Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Dec. 2024
Last month’s flood that hit the Porter County Elections & Registration Office has left the staff high and dry, still homeless until repairs are completed.
—Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for high and dry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for high and dry
Adjective
-
In his only opportunity as the starter, Davis smashed a helpless Jets team for 152 total yards on 23 touches.—
Joe Buscaglia,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
-
Because without them, we are often left with a patient who is terrified, paranoid, screaming, or striking out — and a family that is exhausted, helpless, and scared.—
Dr. Sabooh Mubbashar,
Hartford Courant,
27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Before the polio vaccine was introduced in 1955, tens of thousands of children were catching the disease every year; thousands of them died, and more were left paralyzed.—
Bruce Handy,
The Atlantic,
16 Apr. 2025
-
Because tariffs are a type of taxation, Mr. Trump’s plan is among the largest tax increases in decades, analysts say, a policy change that sent the stock market reeling, paralyzed corporate investment and shoved the economy closer to a recession.—
Andrew Duehren,
New York Times,
5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Weak Treasury Demand Moved Rates More recently, in the wake of the administration’s chaotic trade policy rollout, Treasury security auctions did not go as expected, with weak demand pushing rates up higher than everyone expected.—
Norbert Michel,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
-
That’s why he’s been able to generate so much weak contact over the years.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The oligarchy is almost as incompetent and out of touch as is Trump.—
Robert B. Reich,
Hartford Courant,
17 Apr. 2025
-
Lawyers for Mike Jeffries, 80, are hoping to place him in the custody of the Attorney General for further evaluation 1 Comments Lawyers for ex-Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries filed a motion on Thursday saying that their client is mentally incompetent to stand trial.—
Chris Spargo,
People.com,
11 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“High and dry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/high%20and%20dry. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share