helpless

[ˈhɛlp.ləs]

helpless Definition

• 1. unable to defend oneself or to act without help
• 2. lacking power or strength

Using helpless: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "helpless" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The baby looked so helpless lying there alone.

• Example

  I felt helpless when I couldn't find my keys.

• Example

  She was helpless to resist his charm.

• Example

  The injured bird was helpless.

helpless Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for helpless

• vulnerable
• powerless
• defenseless

Antonyms for helpless

• capable
• competent
• empowered

Phrases with helpless

• feel helpless

  to feel unable to do anything to improve a situation

  Example

  I felt helpless watching the fire destroy my home.

• render someone helpless

  to make someone unable to defend themselves or to act without help

  Example

  The attacker rendered his victim helpless by tying him up.

• helpless rage

  a feeling of intense anger that is accompanied by a sense of powerlessness

  Example

  He felt a helpless rage as he watched the injustice unfold.

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Summary: helpless in Brief

The term 'helpless' [ˈhɛlp.ləs] describes a state of being unable to defend oneself or to act without help, often due to a lack of power or strength. Examples include a baby lying alone or an injured bird. Phrases like 'feel helpless' and 'render someone helpless' denote the inability to improve a situation or to defend oneself, while 'helpless rage' describes intense anger accompanied by a sense of powerlessness.