helpless

pronunciation

How to pronounce helpless in British English: UK [ˈhelpləs]word uk audio image

How to pronounce helpless in American English: US [ˈhelpləs] word us audio image

  • Adjective:
    lacking in or deprived of strength or power
    unable to function; without help
    unable to manage independently

Word Origin

helpless (adj.)
"unable to act for oneself," c. 1200, from help (n.) + -less. Related: Helplessly; helplessness. In Middle English and later sometimes also "unable to give help, affording no help" (late 14c.), but this was never common.

Antonym

adj.

helpful

Example

1. She felt helpless and wondered what she could do .
2. If we feel helpless to intervene , it is understandable .
3. Japan must never again be left helpless .
4. Do you think I liked sitting helpless in your boat every weekend for the past two months ?
5. I began to feel myself not only solitary but helpless .

more: >How to Use "helpless" with Example Sentences