HELPLESSNESS Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

helplessness

noun

Definition of helplessness

as in powerlessness

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of helplessness Could Kleist’s conjecture provide a key to their seeming vacancy, their resignation, their helplessness, suggesting that in their benighted condition lies spiritual perfection? — Matthew McLean, Artforum, 22 Sep. 2026 There are also horrifying incidents of helplessness and despair, as well as touching examples of hope, faith and redemption. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 20 Sep. 2026 There is a particular sort of helplessness that comes from knowing exactly how to fix a computer while being hundreds of miles away from it. — New Atlas, 18 Sep. 2026 As Josephine’s mother, Claire, Chan is luminous with quiet sorrow, conveying maternal guilt and helplessness with precision. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026 To watch Shaw in full flight must fill defences with a sense of pure helplessness. — Katie Whyatt, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026 Picture the anger and helplessness of watching that person bleed out through a video on your phone. — Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 13 Aug. 2026 At this moment, complete inertia, helplessness, or escape seemed to be the only ways to react, but Zionism offered a strategy for coping with the changing circumstances, a strategy that had begun with Theodor Herzl. — Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2026 Indignation emerged as the dominant emotion, cited by 80% of respondents, followed by helplessness (74%) and sadness (71%). — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for helplessness

Noun

The study was designed to examine the psychological effects of authority and powerlessness in a prison setting, according to the university.

— Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2026
New characters are introduced, many interesting details are offered, yet the narration never loses its focus, every sentence adding to the characters’ mounting sense of powerlessness in the face of such a tragic death.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of powerlessness

Noun

The charges come with additional special allegations, around the victim’s vulnerability and that Tapia abused a trustworthy position.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
The Dodgers’ bullpen and vaunted starters also showed vulnerabilities throughout the summer.

— Andrew Greif, NBC news, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of vulnerability

Noun

Studies of these families have helped identify potential susceptibility genes for lung cancer and environmental risk factors.

— Estelamari Rodriguez, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026
Meanwhile, those with the highest genetic susceptibility to ADHD were found to have a 35% greater risk of dementia than those with the lowest susceptibility.

— Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of susceptibility

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helpless

helplessness

helpmate

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“Helplessness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/helplessness. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of helplessness

noun

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