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Definition of helpless

helpless

/ˈhɛlp.ləs/
help · less
Adverb:helplessly
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helpless Lexical Profile

helpless Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Unable to defend oneself or to act effectively without assistance.

Example

"Newborn kittens are completely helpless during the first few weeks of their lives."

2

Uncontrollable or impossible to restrain, especially regarding an emotion or physical reaction such as laughter.

Example

"The comedian's absurd story reduced the entire audience to helpless laughter."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for helpless

• Nearby Words

helpfully
helpfulness
helping
helpless
helplessly
helplessness
helpline

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English as helples, combining the Old English root help ('aid, support') with the privative suffix -less ('without').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Helpless. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/helpless
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