helpless
HEHLP-lihs
Helpless (adj) means Unable to protect, help, or defend oneself; powerless. Example: “The kitten looked helpless, stranded on the ledge.”
adj
1
Unable to protect, help, or defend oneself; powerless.
"A gaoler struck him, pushing him back in place in the hopeless, helpless line of prisoners."
— James Workman, The Mad Emperor (1966)
"The kitten looked helpless, stranded on the ledge."
"She felt helpless watching the disaster unfold on the news."
"The baby bird was helpless without its mother to bring it food."
"Then when you find yourself lyin' helpless in her arms You know you really love a woman"
— Bryan Adams, Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman? (1995)
How to use helpless
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWithout the power or means to help yourself or act.
Common pairings
feel helpless
a helpless victim
helpless laughter
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more helpless
- Superlative
- most helpless
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The kitten looked _____, stranded on the ledge.
Etymology
From Old English helpleas, meaning literally "without help" — "help" plus the suffix "-less."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “helpless” mean?
The word “helpless” means unable to protect, help, or defend oneself; powerless. In plain terms, without the power or means to help yourself or act.
How do you pronounce “helpless”?
“Helpless” is pronounced HEHLP-lihs (/ˈhɛlplɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “helpless” in a sentence?
Here is “helpless” used in a sentence: “The kitten looked helpless, stranded on the ledge.”
What part of speech is “helpless”?
“Helpless” is an adjective.
Where does the word “helpless” come from?
The word “helpless” comes from Old English. From Old English helpleas, meaning literally "without help" — "help" plus the suffix "-less.".
Is “helpless” a common word?
“Helpless” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between helpless and powerless?
Helpless and powerless are close synonyms, both describing an inability to protect or help oneself, but helpless often carries a stronger emotional sense of vulnerability or dependence on others. Powerless can be used more broadly, including situations involving lack of authority or control rather than pure vulnerability.
What does it mean to feel helpless in a situation?
Feeling helpless means feeling unable to protect, help, or defend yourself or influence the outcome of a situation. It is commonly used to describe emotional states during crises, illness, or events beyond one's control.
Can helpless describe both people and situations?
Helpless most often describes people or animals who are unable to protect or help themselves, such as a helpless infant. It can also extend to describe reactions, such as helpless laughter, where someone is unable to control or stop a response.
