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
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
Yet the Rocket have been outscored 15-4 through three games, looking helpless against a Checkers team that has gotten red hot at exactly the right time.
—Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 1 June 2025
From the dugout at San Siro, Lautaro Martinez and Federico Dimarco were helpless.
—James Horncastle, New York Times, 30 May 2025
A lot of families all across the country feel pretty helpless.
—Nbc News, NBC news, 25 May 2025
Additionally, some dogs, particularly breeds with extreme infantile traits (such as pugs and French bulldogs), may appear as helpless, harmless, and innocent as small children.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for helpless
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Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 1 June 2025
From the dugout at San Siro, Lautaro Martinez and Federico Dimarco were helpless.
—James Horncastle, New York Times, 30 May 2025
A lot of families all across the country feel pretty helpless.
—Nbc News, NBC news, 25 May 2025
Additionally, some dogs, particularly breeds with extreme infantile traits (such as pugs and French bulldogs), may appear as helpless, harmless, and innocent as small children.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for helpless
Cite this Entry
“Helpless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/helpless. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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