Helpless
/ˈhelpləs/
Definitions
Unable to do anything to help or protect yourself or someone else.
/ˈhelpləs/
Unable to help oneself or others.
The trapped animals were helpless against the rising floodwaters.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're locked out of your house and can't find your keys. You feel helpless because you can't get inside. It means you can't do anything to solve a problem or help someone.
👶 For kids: When you can't do anything to fix a problem or help yourself or someone else, you feel helpless.
More Examples
He felt helpless watching the fire consume his house.
She was helpless without her glasses and couldn't read the street signs.
How It's Used
"The lost child was left feeling helpless."
"Depression can often lead to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
a helpless victim
Someone who is unable to defend themselves and is being harmed or taken advantage of.
"The protesters were painted by some media outlets as helpless victims of state violence."
From Middle English *helples*, equivalent to help + -less. The 'help' element comes from Old English *helpan* (to help, assist) and the suffix -less indicates 'without'.
The word 'helpless' has been used since the 14th century to describe a lack of assistance or ability to cope. Earlier use reflects similar contexts to today.
Memory tip
Imagine a person tied up, unable to move or assist themselves or others.
Word Origin
"help + -less (without help)"