1
: lacking protection or support : defenseless
as helpless as a flock of shepherdless sheep—
W. H. Mallock
W. H. Mallock2
a
: marked by an inability to act or react
the crowd looked on in helpless horror—Current Biography
Current Biography
b
: not able to be controlled or restrained
helpless laughter
helplessly
adverb
helplessness
noun
Synonyms
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
Just as the doctor who is no longer compassionate or caring towards his patients should no longer be a doctor—maybe the hopeless, helpless, resigned, and, worst of all, silent, healthcare leader who no longer feels change is his or her responsibility and personal mandate should step away.
—Sachin H. Jain, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
Toward the end of the first quarter, Barkley made his presence known with a dashing run through a seemingly helpless Rams defense for a 62-yard touchdown to put the Eagles back on top 13-7.
—Kevin Dotson, CNN, 19 Jan. 2025
The couple not only caused much conversation for their extreme size differences, but also for the drama that unfolded between them and their families.
Onscreen, Monique was ridiculed for her helpless romantic behavior with Derek, who served nine years for drug possession and distribution.
—Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 17 Jan. 2025
Foreman tumbled downward in a dizzy, slow-motion-like crash, full-weight, a helpless giant, insensible.
—Mikal Gilmore, Rolling Stone, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for helpless 
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Sachin H. Jain, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
Toward the end of the first quarter, Barkley made his presence known with a dashing run through a seemingly helpless Rams defense for a 62-yard touchdown to put the Eagles back on top 13-7.
—Kevin Dotson, CNN, 19 Jan. 2025
The couple not only caused much conversation for their extreme size differences, but also for the drama that unfolded between them and their families.
Onscreen, Monique was ridiculed for her helpless romantic behavior with Derek, who served nine years for drug possession and distribution.
—Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 17 Jan. 2025
Foreman tumbled downward in a dizzy, slow-motion-like crash, full-weight, a helpless giant, insensible.
—Mikal Gilmore, Rolling Stone, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for helpless
Dictionary Entries Near helpless
Cite this Entry
“Helpless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/helpless. Accessed 26 Jan. 2025.
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