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
Many parents are left feeling helpless—a common experience among pop-parenting adherents.
—Gail Cornwall, The Atlantic, 3 Apr. 2025
Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider was helpless to stop his former teammate, falling to the ice as Perron beat Detroit goalie Alex Lyon gloveside.
—Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
But maybe the latest iteration will also give her an identity outside of being helpless in dangerous situations.
—Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 27 Mar. 2025
Taking care of yourself and seeking professional help when needed is crucial, but feeling helpless can often worsen anxiety.
—Nicole Lipkin, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for helpless
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Gail Cornwall, The Atlantic, 3 Apr. 2025
Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider was helpless to stop his former teammate, falling to the ice as Perron beat Detroit goalie Alex Lyon gloveside.
—Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
But maybe the latest iteration will also give her an identity outside of being helpless in dangerous situations.
—Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 27 Mar. 2025
Taking care of yourself and seeking professional help when needed is crucial, but feeling helpless can often worsen anxiety.
—Nicole Lipkin, Forbes, 25 Mar. 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 13 Apr. 2025.
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