adj
helpless
HEHLP-lihs
adj
1
Unable to protect, help, or defend oneself; powerless.
"The kitten looked helpless, stranded on the ledge."
"She felt helpless watching the disaster unfold on the news."
How to Use Helpless
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWithout the power or means to help yourself or act.
Common pairings
feel helpless
a helpless victim
helpless laughter
Word Forms
more helpless comparative, most helpless superlative
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The kitten looked _____, stranded on the ledge.
Etymology
From Old English helpleas, meaning literally "without help" — "help" plus the suffix "-less."