helpless
The child felt helpless when lost in the crowded mall.
The child couldn't do anything to help themselves in the situation.
Unable to help oneself or others due to lack of power, resources, or ability.
After the accident, she felt helpless to save her friend.
She couldn't do anything to help her friend in that moment.
The small country was helpless against the invading army.
The country lacked the resources or power to defend itself.
Often used to describe emotional or physical inability to act.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Emotional vs. Physical Helplessness
Helpless can describe both emotional states (e.g., 'feeling helpless') and physical inability (e.g., 'a helpless victim').
Gold Rule
Context Matters
Always consider whether 'helpless' refers to emotional or physical inability in a given context.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'helples', from Old English 'hæleplīc', from 'hæle' (help) + '-līc' (suffix forming adjectives).
Usage Notes
Often used to describe emotional states, such as feeling unable to cope with a situation.