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

In Texarkana, the year before, men and boys amused themselves by cutting off strips of flesh and thrusting knives into their helpless victim. —Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 21 Feb. 2025

Amick stars alongside James Spader as a beguiling beauty whom Spader is helpless before. —Jordan Crucchiola, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2025

That is probably the best reason for a director – to feel helpless anger and injustice – to make a film. —Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Feb. 2025

Most Popular Most Popular As Liam McNeeley carries UConn men, Dan Hurley calls for ‘reinvention’ as rest of his team struggles A CT woman felt helpless as her dad screamed in pain. —Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 13 Feb. 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