Definition of helpless
- as helpless as a flock of shepherdless sheep
- —W. H. Mallock
- the crowd looked on in helpless horror
- —Current Biography
- helpless laughter
The civilians were helpless against their attackers.
Firefighters were helpless against the blaze.
I feel helpless. Isn't there anything I can do?
The crowd was helpless with laughter.
He was helpless with rage.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'helpless.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What made you want to look up helpless? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).