What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
helpless
Example
The injured bird looked helpless on the ground. [helpless: adjective]
Example
I felt helpless watching the car accident happen in front of me. [helpless: adjective]
defenseless
Example
The child was left defenseless against the bully's taunts. [defenseless: adjective]
Example
The unarmed soldiers were defenseless against the enemy's attack. [defenseless: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Defenseless is less common than helpless in everyday language. Helpless is a more versatile word that can be used in a wider range of contexts, while defenseless is more specific to situations involving physical harm or attack.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between helpless and defenseless?
Both helpless and defenseless are generally considered informal words, but defenseless may be slightly more formal due to its Latin origin.
