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
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
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
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.
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
Cite this Entry
“Helpless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/helpless. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share