helpless

adjective

help·​less ˈhel-pləs How to pronounce helpless (audio)
 Southern often  ˈhep-ləs,
 also  ˈheəp-
1
: lacking protection or support : defenseless
as helpless as a flock of shepherdless sheepW. H. Mallock
2
a
: marked by an inability to act or react
the crowd looked on in helpless horrorCurrent Biography
b
: not able to be controlled or restrained
helpless laughter
helplessly adverb
helplessness noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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

Word History

Etymology

see help entry 1

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of helpless was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Helpless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/helpless. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

helpless

adjective
help·​less ˈhel-pləs How to pronounce helpless (audio)
1
: being without defense
2
helplessly adverb
helplessness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on helpless

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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