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

• defenseless
• exposed
• susceptible
• undefended
• unguarded
• unprotected
• unresistant
• vulnerable

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

After playing just one division foe over the first six weeks of the season — a three-game sweep of the utterly helpless Colorado Rockies last month — the Dodgers are finally getting into the meat of their division schedule. —Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025

And Nuggets backup big DeAndre Jordan looked largely helpless at the rim, as the Clippers’ offense got going behind a flurry of hooks from Zubac and waltzes to the rim from Bogdanovic and Kawhi Leonard. —Luca Evans, Denver Post, 29 Apr. 2025

Just a dinosaur trying to recite his heartfelt vows to a helpless princess. —Mitch Wallace, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025

Selection 1: Brighton to win and under 3.5 goals vs Leicester City at 1/1 Poor, helpless Leicester. —Sam Tighe, New York Times, 11 Apr. 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