Synonyms for

Helpless

Verb / ˈhelplʌs / Another word for helpless — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

unable to defend oneself or to act without help

Synonyms & similar words

incapacitated lost powerless vulnerable weak defenseless dependent needy incapable incompetent inadequate feeble ineffective futile fruitless useless worthless impotent unproductive unavailing ineffectual unsuccessful

Synonyms by register

Formal

powerless incapable ineffectual impotent

Informal

stuck out of luck can't do anything

Literary

unfriended forsaken bereft

Antonyms

capable powerful strong competent able resourceful independent

Common collocations

  • utterly helpless
  • completely helpless
  • helpless victim
  • helpless child
  • helpless situation
  • feel helpless
  • left helpless

Word family

noun helplessness
adverb helplessly

Usage note

Helpless describes a state of being unable to defend oneself or act effectively. It often carries a connotation of vulnerability or pity.

Example sentences

  1. The injured bird was helpless and couldn't fly.
  2. The baby is helpless and needs his parents to take care of him.
  3. The stranded hiker was helpless without any food or water.
  4. The elderly woman was helpless and needed assistance walking.
  5. The student felt helpless after failing the test.

Quotes

  • The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. - Nelson Mandela
  • We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated. - Maya Angelou
  • Believe you can and you're halfway there. - Theodore Roosevelt

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