helpless

Meaning

Adjective

  • Unable to defend oneself.
  • Lacking help; powerless.
  • Unable to act without help; needing help; feeble.
  • Uncontrollable.
  • From which there is no possibility of being saved.

Origin

  • From Middle English helples, from Old English *helplēas from Proto-Germanic *helpōlausaz, equivalent to help + -less. Compare Dutch hulpeloos ("helpless"), German hilflos ("helpless"), Swedish hjälplös ("helpless").

Modern English dictionary

Explore and search massive catalog of over 900,000 word meanings.

Word of the Day

Get a curated memorable word every day.

Challenge yourself

Level up your vocabulary by setting personal goals.

And much more

Try out Vedaist now.