Helpless — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈhel-pləs/ help·less

Meaning & Definition of Helpless

Helpless (adjective)

  1. lacking protection or support, defenseless
  2. marked by an inability to act or react
  3. not able to be controlled or restrained

Helpless (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. lacking protection from danger or resistance against attack

    "after the storm we found a helpless baby bird that had fallen out of its nest"

    similar: defenseless, exposed, susceptible, undefended, unguarded, unprotected, unresistant, vulnerable, in the lurch
    related: indefensible, untenable, uncovered, unsafe, overcome, preyed (on or upon), disarmed, passive, resistless, unarmed, feeble, frail, weak, abandoned, high and dry, marooned
    opposite: guarded, invulnerable, protected, resistant, shielded
    near: defensible, covered, fortified, safe, screened, secure, sheltered, armed, armored, immune, impenetrable, impregnable, invincible, strong, unassailable, unbeatable, unconquerable, almighty, omnipotent

  2. unable to act or achieve one's purpose

    "we watched, feeling helpless, as the vase slipped from her hand and crashed to the floor"

    similar: hamstrung, handcuffed, high and dry, hog-tied, impotent, impuissant, paralyzed, powerless, weak
    related: incapable, incompetent, ineffective, ineffectual, inept, unfit, useless, feeble, frail, infirm, passive, spineless, supine, unaggressive
    opposite: mighty, potent, powerful, puissant, strong
    near: able, capable, competent, effective, efficient, authoritarian, autocratic, despotic, dictatorial, magisterial, tyrannical, dominant, dynamic, energetic, forceful, robust, sturdy, tough, vigorous, important, major, significant, high-level, senior, top

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Helpless

The most common words with a similar meaning to Helpless:

defenseless, exposed, susceptible, undefended, unguarded, unprotected, unresistant, vulnerable, hamstrung, handcuffed, high and dry, hog-tied, impotent, impuissant, paralyzed, powerless, weak, in the lurch

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Helpless

Words with the opposite meaning of Helpless:

guarded, invulnerable, protected, resistant, shielded, mighty, potent, powerful, puissant, strong

Related Words for Helpless

indefensible, untenable, uncovered, unsafe, overcome, preyed (on or upon), disarmed, passive, resistless, unarmed, feeble, frail, abandoned, marooned, incapable, incompetent, ineffective, ineffectual, inept, unfit, useless, infirm, spineless, supine, unaggressive

Near Antonyms of Helpless

defensible, covered, fortified, safe, screened, secure, sheltered, armed, armored, immune, impenetrable, impregnable, invincible, unassailable, unbeatable, unconquerable, almighty, omnipotent, able, capable, competent, effective, efficient, authoritarian, autocratic, despotic, dictatorial, magisterial, tyrannical, dominant

Word Forms of Helpless

Derived words: helplessly (adverb), helplessness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Helpless

First known use: before 12th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Helpless

What does "Helpless" mean?

"Helpless" means lacking protection or support, defenseless. As an adjective, it is defined as: lacking protection or support, defenseless. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Helpless"?

Other words for "Helpless" include defenseless, exposed, susceptible, undefended, unguarded, unprotected, unresistant and vulnerable. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Helpless" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Helpless"?

There are 43 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Helpless". Common alternatives include defenseless, exposed, susceptible, undefended, unguarded, unprotected, unresistant, vulnerable, hamstrung and handcuffed.

What is the opposite of "Helpless"?

Antonyms of "Helpless" include guarded, invulnerable, protected, resistant, shielded, mighty, potent and powerful. Near antonyms include defensible, covered, fortified and safe.

How do you use "Helpless" in a sentence?

Examples of "Helpless" in a sentence: "after the storm we found a helpless baby bird that had fallen out of its nest"; "we watched, feeling helpless, as the vase slipped from her hand and crashed to the floor".

Is "Helpless" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Helpless" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Helpless"?

"Helpless" is pronounced /ˈhel-pləs/ and divided into syllables as help·less.

What is the origin of the word "Helpless"?

First known use: before 12th century.