adjective

helpless

helpless, powerless, defenseless

The baby bird was small and helpless.

The baby bird was small and helpless.

I feel helpless when I see them suffer.

I feel helpless when I see them suffer.

to be helpless to be unable to help oneself The kitten was helpless.

to feel helpless to feel unable to change a situation I feel helpless in this situation.

Synonyms: powerless, defenseless; Antonyms: powerful, capable

From 'help' + the suffix '-less' (meaning 'without'). Literally 'without help'.

The suffix '-less' means 'without'. So, 'helpless' is 'without help'.

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