helpless

[help-lis]

adjective

1. unable to help oneself; weak or dependent.

   a helpless invalid.

2. deprived of strength or power; powerless; incapacitated.

   They were helpless with laughter.

3. affording no help.

helpless

/ ˈhɛlplɪs /

adjective

1. unable to manage independently

2. made powerless or weak

   they were helpless from so much giggling

3. without help

Other Word Forms

• helplessly adverb
• helplessness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of helpless¹

First recorded in 1125–75; Middle English; help + -less

Example Sentences

The label with George’s portrait quotes his judgment of the American Industrial Revolution: “The rich grew richer, the poor grow helpless, the middle class is swept away.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Another woman, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "Words can't explain the situation that we're in. It's horrible. I don't even know what to say. So many hopeless, helpless and lifeless people here right now."

Read more on BBC

Roz still had her thoughts and her voice, but without a body she couldn’t move, so she sat there, completely helpless, and waited for the Makers to appear.

Read more on Literature

For Tseng, they took the form of an uncontrollable twitch that left her helpless whenever she faced a short putt.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Many individuals hesitate to leave their homes for fear of feeling trapped, embarrassed, or helpless in social or public settings.

Read more on Science Daily

Related Words

• defenseless 
• destitute 
• forlorn 
• impotent 
• paralyzed www.thesaurus.com
• powerless 
• unable 
• unprotected 
• vulnerable 
• weak