noun
helplessness
HEHLP-lihs-nihs
Helplessness (noun) means the state or feeling of being unable to help oneself or affect a situation. Example: “A wave of helplessness washed over her as the plane began to shake.”
noun
1
The state or feeling of being unable to help oneself or affect a situation.
"A wave of helplessness washed over her as the plane began to shake."
How to use helplessness
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe feeling of being powerless to change or improve a situation.
Common pairings
a sense of helplessness
feelings of helplessness
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Word forms
- Plural
- helplessnesses
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A wave of _____ washed over her as the plane began to shake.
Etymology
From "helpless" plus the noun suffix "-ness."
Synonyms
View more →
weakness
impuissance
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for helplessness
lawlessness
selflessness
carelessness
homelessness
restlessness
recklessness
hopelessness
ruthlessness
weightlessness
See all rhymes for helplessness →
Frequently asked questions
What does “helplessness” mean?
The word “helplessness” means the state or feeling of being unable to help oneself or affect a situation. In plain terms, the feeling of being powerless to change or improve a situation.
How do you pronounce “helplessness”?
“Helplessness” is pronounced HEHLP-lihs-nihs (/ˈhɛlplɪsnɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “helplessness” in a sentence?
Here is “helplessness” used in a sentence: “A wave of helplessness washed over her as the plane began to shake.”
What part of speech is “helplessness”?
“Helplessness” is a noun.
