helpless
adjective
unable to help oneself; weak or dependent.
helplessly
-
a word derived from
helpless.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Sterling Hayden’s Johnny Clay, having endured all manner of complications, watches helplessly as a suitcase full of stolen money spills off a luggage cart.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 12, 2026
But no matter how good you are, at some point your turn to suffer will come, stuck in the chair, unable to leave or speak, watching helplessly as your opponent shines.
From BBC ● Apr. 26, 2026
Intel, as investors are painfully aware, has watched helplessly as other tech companies racked up huge gains.
From Barron's ● Apr. 14, 2026
And yet, every time, Lucy yanked the ball away at the last moment, leaving Charlie Brown flying helplessly through the air.
From MarketWatch ● Apr. 3, 2026
She double-parked on busy cross streets as she dashed in and out of buildings, provoking an avalanche of honking ire from other drivers, while the rest of us sat helplessly in the car.
From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama
