helpless
/ˈhɛlplɪs/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
Unable to defend oneself.
Adjective
Examples
Then when you find yourself lyin' helpless in her arms
You know you really love a woman
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Lacking help; powerless.
Adjective
Examples
A gaoler struck him, pushing him back in place in the hopeless, helpless line of prisoners.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “helpless” mean?
Unable to defend oneself.
Is “helpless” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.