Helplessness — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /ˈhel-pləs/ help·less

Meaning & Definition of Helplessness

Helplessness (adjective)

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

Helplessness (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in powerlessness

    similar: powerlessness, defenselessness, susceptibility, vulnerability, weakness, passiveness, passivity, feebleness, frailness, frailty, infirmity, exposure, liability, openness, predisposition, proneness, sensitivity, receptiveness, receptivity, easiness, gullibility, naïveté, credulity, credulousness
    opposite: invulnerability, immunity, impenetrability, indomitability, indomitableness, invincibility

Related Entry: Helpless (adjective)

Helpless is a different word from Helplessness. The synonyms below are for helpless, not for helplessness.

  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 Helplessness

The most common words with a similar meaning to Helplessness:

powerlessness, defenselessness, susceptibility, vulnerability, weakness, passiveness, passivity, feebleness, frailness, frailty, infirmity, exposure, liability, openness, predisposition, proneness, sensitivity, receptiveness, receptivity, easiness, gullibility, naïveté, credulity, credulousness

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Helplessness

Words with the opposite meaning of Helplessness:

invulnerability, immunity, impenetrability, indomitability, indomitableness, invincibility

Word Forms of Helplessness

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

Origin & Etymology of Helplessness

First known use: before 12th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Helplessness

What does "Helplessness" mean?

"Helplessness" means lacking protection or support, defenseless. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: lacking protection or support, defenseless.

What is another word for "Helplessness"?

Other words for "Helplessness" include powerlessness, defenselessness, susceptibility, vulnerability, weakness, passiveness, passivity and feebleness. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Helplessness" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Helplessness"?

There are 24 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Helplessness". Common alternatives include powerlessness, defenselessness, susceptibility, vulnerability, weakness, passiveness, passivity, feebleness, frailness and frailty.

What is the opposite of "Helplessness"?

Antonyms of "Helplessness" include invulnerability, immunity, impenetrability, indomitability, indomitableness and invincibility.

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

"Helplessness" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Helplessness"?

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

What is the origin of the word "Helplessness"?

First known use: before 12th century.

What is another word for "Helplessness" meaning "as in powerlessness"?

When "Helplessness" (noun) means as in powerlessness, synonyms include powerlessness, defenselessness, susceptibility, vulnerability, weakness and passiveness. Opposites in this sense include invulnerability, immunity, impenetrability and indomitability.