HELPLESS Synonyms: 98 Similar and Opposite Words

helpless

adjective

ˈhel-pləs

Definition of helpless

as in vulnerable

lacking protection from danger or resistance against attack after the storm we found a helpless baby bird that had fallen out of its nest

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in paralyzed

unable to act or achieve one's purpose we watched, feeling helpless, as the vase slipped from her hand and crashed to the floor

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of helpless Technology can erode privacy, concentrate power, damage the environment, and leave people feeling helpless. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 24 Sep. 2026 Y’know, the two living, breathing, helpless children forced to sit idle while their mother and (almost) step-father constantly and brazenly risk abandoning them. — Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026 Muslims who are peace-loving and helpless also need a hand up. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026 Yes, there were moments of humor, such as getting magic potions around the campfire at the end of each stage by whacking helpless little elves, but most of it was played straight, to great effect. — Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for helpless

Recent Examples of Synonyms for helpless

Adjective

The network of large bases that Washington built after the 1991 Gulf War is now vulnerable to Iranian drones and ballistic missiles, offering Tehran targets and leverage rather than deterring it from taking military action.

— Philip H. Gordon, Foreign Affairs, 12 Oct. 2026
Inflation risks mount India is among the countries most vulnerable to the supply disruptions caused by the Iran war.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of vulnerable

Adjective

The story follows Lowen, a struggling writer hired to complete the book series of renowned author Verity Crawford after an accident leaves Verity paralyzed and unable to communicate.

— Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026
The injuries left her paralyzed from the waist down after jumping from a second-story window.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of paralyzed

Adjective

Up to 9 out of 10 people who are susceptible will get the virus if exposed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
The most susceptible areas will be Long Beach and the Avalon Harbor on Tuesday and Wednesday and then Malibu through Ventura County from Wednesday through Friday.

— Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of susceptible

Adjective

The makeup is top-tier, the Aaliyah swoop bang is swooping, and the jewelry accents stand out without doing too much, which is usually her weak spot.

— Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026
Brennan's maiden win came at the 2025 Bank of Utah Championship in November against an admittedly weaker field.

— Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of weak

Adjective

If Thompson was found to be incompetent due to a mental condition, he likely won’t ever be executed.

— Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026
In April, a judge found Rodriquez Singh incompetent to stand trial and ordered her to undergo treatment at a state hospital intended to restore her competency.

— Doug Myers, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026