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

Origin of helpless

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

Related formshelp·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 Formshelplessly, 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

Word Origin and History for helplessness

helpless

adj.

"unable to act for oneself," c.1200, from help (n.) + -less. Related: Helplessly; helplessness. In Middle English and later sometimes also "unable to give help, affording no help" (late 14c.), but this was never common.

helpless

adjective

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Nearby words

Origin of helpless

Examples from the Web for helplessness

helpless

adjective

helpless