helpless
adjective
help·less ˈhel-pləs 
Southern often ˈhep-ləs,
also ˈheəp-
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
- defenseless
- exposed
- susceptible
- undefended
- unguarded
- unprotected
- unresistant
- vulnerable
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
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 Kristal Dailey, who also filed an objection to her garnishment, certainly felt helpless. Sarah Alvarez, ProPublica, 23 Aug. 2022 As with many mental health disorders, family members and friends can feel helpless and desperate for some kind of solution. Natalie Bettendorf, Washington Post, 24 Aug. 2022 Steele, the Chicago starting pitcher, left the Brewers helpless over six scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and one walk. Curt Hogg, Journal Sentinel, 21 Aug. 2022 On one page of a company catalog is a scene of a woman standing alone, scanning the darkness around her, unarmed and helpless. Andrew Brinker, BostonGlobe.com, 30 July 2022 By getting involved, citizens might feel less helpless, the reader said. Noah Arroyo, San Francisco Chronicle, 22 July 2022 But if that company shelves the program, parents are left helpless and heartbroken. Fortune, 21 July 2022 Her physician instructed the busy artist to remain on bed rest for the following two weeks, leaving her feeling helpless and forced to stay put. Walaa Elsiddig, Billboard, 13 July 2022 Rumors and speculation surrounding the Groene family intensified, leaving the little girl helpless in trying to protect her family’s memory. Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 6 June 2022 See More
Sarah Alvarez, ProPublica, 23 Aug. 2022 As with many mental health disorders, family members and friends can feel helpless and desperate for some kind of solution. Natalie Bettendorf, Washington Post, 24 Aug. 2022 Steele, the Chicago starting pitcher, left the Brewers helpless over six scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and one walk. Curt Hogg, Journal Sentinel, 21 Aug. 2022 On one page of a company catalog is a scene of a woman standing alone, scanning the darkness around her, unarmed and helpless. Andrew Brinker, BostonGlobe.com, 30 July 2022 By getting involved, citizens might feel less helpless, the reader said. Noah Arroyo, San Francisco Chronicle, 22 July 2022 But if that company shelves the program, parents are left helpless and heartbroken. Fortune, 21 July 2022 Her physician instructed the busy artist to remain on bed rest for the following two weeks, leaving her feeling helpless and forced to stay put. Walaa Elsiddig, Billboard, 13 July 2022 Rumors and speculation surrounding the Groene family intensified, leaving the little girl helpless in trying to protect her family’s memory. Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 6 June 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
see help entry 1
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Kids Definition
helpless
adjective
help·less ˈhelp-ləs
: without help or defense
a helpless infant
helpless
adjective
1
as in vulnerable
lacking protection from danger or resistance against attack after the storm we found a helpless baby bird that had fallen out of its nest Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- vulnerable
- susceptible
- defenseless
- unprotected
- exposed
- undefended
- unarmed
- unguarded
- unresistant
- passive
- unsafe
- untenable
- feeble
- indefensible
- weak
- overcome
- disarmed
- abandoned
- uncovered
- in the lurch
- resistless
- marooned
- preyed (on or upon)
- frail
- high and dry
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- resistant
- protected
- safe
- sheltered
- invulnerable
- secure
- armed
- covered
- invincible
- defensible
- immune
- armored
- fortified
- strong
- guarded
- shielded
- impenetrable
- impregnable
- screened
- omnipotent
- unconquerable
- unassailable
- unbeatable
- almighty
2
as in paralyzed
unable to act or achieve one's purpose we watched, feeling helpless, as the vase slipped from her hand and crashed to the floor Synonyms & Similar Words
- paralyzed
- powerless
- weak
- incompetent
- impotent
- handcuffed
- incapable
- passive
- useless
- feeble
- hamstrung
- hog-tied
- ineffectual
- unfit
- ineffective
- impuissant
- high and dry
- infirm
- supine
- inept
- spineless
- frail
- unaggressive
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- powerful
- mighty
- capable
- strong
- competent
- able
- effective
- potent
- efficient
- despotic
- tyrannical
- authoritarian
- dominant
- autocratic
- dictatorial
- tough
- important
- energetic
- forceful
- dynamic
- sturdy
- tyrannic
- puissant
- vigorous
- robust
- major
- significant
- magisterial
- senior
- autocratical
- top
- high-level
- reaccused
- reaccuses
- reaccusing
- reaccustomed
- reaccustoming
- reaccustoms
- reacetylation
- reach
- reach a compromise
- reach a conclusion
- reach a consensus
- reach an understanding
- reach for
- reach for the moon
- reach for the stars
- reach its conclusion
- sequaciously
- sequaciousness
- sequacities
- sequacity
- Sequani
- sequel
- sequela
- sequelae
- sequellae