1
as in vulnerable
lacking protection from danger or resistance against attack
after the storm we found a helpless baby bird that had fallen out of its nest
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in paralyzed
unable to act or achieve one's purpose
we watched, feeling helpless, as the vase slipped from her hand and crashed to the floor
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of helpless
Abuse survivors can feel helpless trying to escape perpetrators or avoid being found and stalked when the safeguards in place are repeatedly violated, experts said, as in Lisa’s case.
—
Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2025
Now, with the help of their dad’s right-hand woman Lucky (Poorna Jagannathan), the helpless brothers must assume the position as co-heads of his drug cartel.
—Max Gao, NBC News, 5 Mar. 2025
The Institute for the Study of War says that this would leave Ukraine helpless in the face of future Russia – Russian threats or aggression.
—CBS News, 2 Mar. 2025
After a Sharks turnover in the corner to the net, Patrik Laine took over the puck and found an open Alex Newhook, who got a step on Collin Graf and beat a helpless Alexandar Georgiev for his 11th goal of the season.
—Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for helpless
Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2025
Now, with the help of their dad’s right-hand woman Lucky (Poorna Jagannathan), the helpless brothers must assume the position as co-heads of his drug cartel.
—Max Gao, NBC News, 5 Mar. 2025
The Institute for the Study of War says that this would leave Ukraine helpless in the face of future Russia – Russian threats or aggression.
—CBS News, 2 Mar. 2025
After a Sharks turnover in the corner to the net, Patrik Laine took over the puck and found an open Alex Newhook, who got a step on Collin Graf and beat a helpless Alexandar Georgiev for his 11th goal of the season.
—Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for helpless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for helpless
Adjective
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Children, whose bodies are still developing, are also among the most vulnerable to phthalates and other endocrine disrupters.—
Kaitlin Sullivan,
Health,
19 Mar. 2025
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Likewise, movement jobs require individuals with the capacity to face forces that are endangering the lives of many people, engage in rigorous political education, take in constructive feedback, and be accountable to the most vulnerable communities.—
Aparna Rae,
Forbes,
19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Two people have been convicted on conspiracy and murder charges for their role in a triple shooting in Hartford in 2021 that left one man dead, another paralyzed and a third victim injured.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
11 Mar. 2025
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It's used for amputees, paralyzed drivers and those suffering from hip displacement issues.—
Swish Goswami,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The monounsaturated fat makes canola less susceptible to oxidation, Kane adds.—
Matt Fuchs,
TIME,
21 Mar. 2025
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The number of children who are not getting the measles vaccine has increased, making the U.S. population more susceptible to infection.—
Sarah Linn,
Sacramento Bee,
20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Murena Pixel Tablet And Third-Party Apps The ecosystem for Android tablets is weaker than that of Android smartphones.—
Ewan Spence,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
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Cleanup crews noted the tree’s root system was very weak.—
Muri Assunção,
New York Daily News,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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While many people may feel powerless, there are steps that borrowers can take, even if they are impacted by the Trump administration’s recent actions.—
Adam S. Minsky,
Forbes,
24 Mar. 2025
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In its initial stage, however, The Beacon is about empowering people who feel powerless.—
Andrew Silow-Carroll,
Sun Sentinel,
24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Long Bright River, whose eight-episode season will stream in full on March 13, is neither a transcendent nor an incompetent example of this type of show.—
Judy Berman,
TIME,
12 Mar. 2025
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Of course, people love making memes that portray their political adversaries as hapless and incompetent.—
Ali Breland,
The Atlantic,
8 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Helpless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/helpless. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.
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