HELPLESS Synonyms: 98 Similar and Opposite Words

helpless

adjective

ˈhel-pləs

Definition of helpless

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of helpless But the funding cuts mean more and more families like Zarmina's are left helpless. — ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026 With defensive backs Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph both sidelined by injury and on the reserve/physically unable to perform list (PUP), Detroit’s defense has been largely helpless. — Andy Behrens, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026 But passengers don’t have to be helpless during these stressful ordeals. — Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026 Technology can erode privacy, concentrate power, damage the environment, and leave people feeling helpless. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for helpless

Recent Examples of Synonyms for helpless

Adjective

The fact is, the bill helps to preserve Medicaid for those who need it most, including low-income families, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
But that leaves the intricate energy system vulnerable to shocks.

— Matt Egan, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of vulnerable

Adjective

After 60 days, the researchers reported that treated pigs could stand and walk on all four limbs, while controls remained paralyzed.

— Mike McRae October 21, New Atlas, 22 Oct. 2026
In 1995, however, Reeve, a competitive equestrian, had a devastating accident, breaking his spine while riding, and becoming paralyzed for the rest of his life.

— Kate Aurthur, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of paralyzed

Adjective

Kirshner says most units aren’t susceptible and that the issues appear quickly on units with the defect.

— Jay Peters, The Verge, 26 Oct. 2026
Microwave weapons can address groups of small aircraft, interceptors can physically destroy individual threats, electronic warfare can disrupt susceptible communications, and lasers can interfere with optical sensors.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of susceptible

Adjective

The age-old advice of keeping your passwords secure and being wary of suspicious emails is more important than ever as hackers gain more sophisticated tools and use AI to find more of the internet’s weak points.

— Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026
Analysts expect profits and assets to cover the dividend through weaker timber periods.

— Sebastien Chasse, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of weak

Adjective

Halo 4, 5, and Infinite used sci-fi nonsense to transform him into this larger-than-life figure, rendering the rest of the UNSC largely powerless in the process.

— Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Trump could decide that appearing powerless as Iranian attacks push up prices is more damaging than another round of military strikes.

— Ali Vaez, Time, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of powerless

Adjective

In August 2022, Garza was ruled mentally incompetent to stand trial and ordered to be jailed until a bed in a state mental health treatment facility was available.

— Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
In my opinion, the president and his incompetent, corrupt acolytes have debased the office and dragged the good name of America through the mud.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 22 Oct. 2026