helplessly

ADVERB

incapably

Synonyms

STRONGEST

weakly

WEAK

dependent destitute feebly forlorn forsaken involuntarily perforce willy-nilly with hands tied

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

And yet, every time, Lucy yanked the ball away at the last moment, leaving Charlie Brown flying helplessly through the air.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

When troublemaker Arlene moves in across the street to live with her father, Maria falls helplessly under her corrupting influence.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

Stagflation set in, and the Nixon, Ford and Carter administrations all flailed helplessly at the beast.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

All they could do was watch helplessly as Italy and Mexico squared off in a matchup that would determine their fate.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

You kept your distance, because you knew if you didn’t, you’d be helplessly and hopelessly caught up in everything you loved about her.

From "When Dimple Met Rishi" by Sandhya Menon