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

Existing franchises that have successfully executed complex roster-building strategies hate seeing their hard work undone, helpless as key role players depart. —Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 6 Dec. 2024

With the Anschluss came atrocities, as Hitler’s boys had their way with the helpless. —Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 25 Nov. 2024

No psychological fallout for Tyson after his cold-blooded ax murder of a helpless dude in the last episode. —Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 17 Nov. 2024

Elizabeth Taylor felt helpless learning a close friend's fate along with the world. —Angela Andaloro, People.com, 19 Oct. 2024

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