helpless
word · lemma: help
Definition
If someone is helpless, they cannot protect themselves or change a difficult situation without other people's help. It can describe a temporary feeling or a more general condition.
Usage & Nuances
Often used for emotional situations ('feel helpless') and for people or animals who cannot defend themselves ('a helpless child'). 'Hopeless' means without hope, not unable to act. Common patterns: 'feel helpless', 'seem helpless', 'be left helpless'.
Example Sentences
The baby looked helpless in the big bed.
basic
Watching him struggle and not knowing what to say made me feel completely helpless.
natural
I felt helpless when my phone stopped working.
basic
The injured bird was helpless on the ground.
basic
She hates feeling helpless, so she always tries to make a plan.
natural
When the system crashed, we were basically helpless until tech support called back.
natural