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
Synonyms
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
While Chris Smith lay helpless, authorities say Tarr was plotting to silence him forever.
—Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2024
This creates a helpless but highly effective kind of suspense, as Iris must rely on her tormentor to mess up, at least until her limbs start to respond again.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 25 Oct. 2024
Nandor is mostly just helpless without Guillermo and needs to be close to him — a bit like a puppy, to continue the animal metaphor.
—Katie Rife, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2024
According to Orloff, most people on the receiving end of trauma dumping will feel anxious, stressed, helpless and even depressed after the conversation.
—David Oliver, USA TODAY, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for helpless 
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Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2024
This creates a helpless but highly effective kind of suspense, as Iris must rely on her tormentor to mess up, at least until her limbs start to respond again.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 25 Oct. 2024
Nandor is mostly just helpless without Guillermo and needs to be close to him — a bit like a puppy, to continue the animal metaphor.
—Katie Rife, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2024
According to Orloff, most people on the receiving end of trauma dumping will feel anxious, stressed, helpless and even depressed after the conversation.
—David Oliver, USA TODAY, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for helpless
Dictionary Entries Near helpless
Cite this Entry
“Helpless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/helpless. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
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