helpless

adjective

help·​less ˈhel-pləs 

Southern often ˈhep-ləs

also ˈheəp-

1

: lacking protection or support : defenseless

… as helpless as a flock of shepherdless sheep …

—W. H. Mallock

2

a

: marked by an inability to act or react

The crowd looked on in helpless horror …

—Current Biography

b

: not able to be controlled or restrained

helpless laughter

helplessly adverb

helplessness noun

Synonyms of helpless

• vulnerable
• susceptible

Examples of helpless in a Sentence

The civilians were helpless against their attackers.

Firefighters were helpless against the blaze.

I feel helpless. Isn't there anything I can do?

The crowd was helpless with laughter.

He was helpless with rage.

Recent Examples on the Web

Anyone who was watching, who could only watch, helpless and afraid. —Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 24 Dec. 2025

The urgent concerns of childhood—or, rather, the helpless intensity of anguish with which one watches one’s childhood disappear—are rendered very vividly indeed by Louise Meriwether. —Literary Hub, 22 Dec. 2025

Democrats insisted the survivors were helpless and should have been rescued to comply with international laws that call for either sides in a conflict to help combatants who fall overboard or are shipwrecked. —Anne Flaherty, ABC News, 16 Dec. 2025

And seeing some of these businesses close down leaves many of us feeling helpless and wondering if our actions truly make a difference. —Akili King, Essence, 15 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see help entry 1

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

helpless

adjective

help·​less ˈhel-pləs 

1

: being without defense

2

: powerless

helplessly adverb

helplessness noun