helpless

[ help-lis ]

/ ˈhɛlp lɪs /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR helpless ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

unable to help oneself; weak or dependent: a helpless invalid.

deprived of strength or power; powerless; incapacitated: They were helpless with laughter.

affording no help.

Nearby words

helpfully, helping, helping hand, helping verb, helpingly, helpless, helplessly, helpline, helpmann, helpmann, sir robert, helpmate

Origin of helpless

Middle English word dating back to 1125–75; see origin at help, -less

Related forms

help·less·ly, adverbhelp·less·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for helplessness

You may have felt, like I did, lots of emotions—but the most dangerous of them is helplessness.
What We Need Are Anti-Racists|Gene Robinson|August 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The brokenness of the political system drives the former, and helplessness drives the latter.
The Awful Apps That Let You Vote With Your Wallet|Tim Mak|August 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
A feeling of helplessness and its resulting paralysis are the enemy of the Good.
Hope When the World’s Gone Off the Rails|Gene Robinson|July 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“I was humiliated at the thought of my helplessness,” he said.
Retired Marine Reveals Secret Suffering of Male Military Rape Victims|Caitlin Dickson|February 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST

We entangle them in a web of fear, of helplessness and anguish.
Introducing Tzipi Livni to the Occupation|Avner Gvaryahu|October 1, 2013|DAILY BEAST
They are his appointed guardians, in the season of helplessness and inexperience.
Anecdotes for Boys|Harvey Newcomb
There was, too, a certain air of helplessness about him, a primitive intensity almost painful.
Donovan Pasha And Some People Of Egypt, Complete|Gilbert Parker
My anxiety was no less than his, but my realization of our helplessness was complete.
The Metal Monster|A. Merritt
Mr. Pelham found her helplessness and patience very pathetic.
The Quiver 12/1899|Anonymous
She had many serious thoughts through these months of helplessness.
A Little Girl in Old Salem|Amanda Minnie Douglas

British Dictionary definitions for helplessness

helpless

/ (ˈhɛlplɪs) /

adjective

unable to manage independently

made powerless or weakthey were helpless from so much giggling

without help

Derived Forms

helplessly, adverbhelplessness, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012