Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun The state of being helpless.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun The state of being helpless.
  • noun A feeling of inadequacy or impotence.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun the state of needing help from something
  • noun a feeling of being unable to manage
  • noun powerlessness revealed by an inability to act

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

helpless +‎ -ness

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Examples

  • And the great lion lay and roared in helplessness, and at each prod exposed his nose more and lifted it higher, until, at the end, his red tongue ran out between his fangs and licked the boot resting none too gently on his neck, and, after that, licked the broomstick that had administered all the punishment.

    CHAPTER XXVII 2010

  • She opened her hands in an expression of helplessness.

    Crave Laura J. Burns 2010

  • Danton was impelled, though, because as Linda, the young bride, stood before him, her fine eyes were on his, in helplessness and in appeal.

    The Damned by John D. MacDonald 2008

  • Danton was impelled, though, because as Linda, the young bride, stood before him, her fine eyes were on his, in helplessness and in appeal.

    The Damned by John D. MacDonald 2008

  • There is a certain helplessness that accompanies the experience of those whose lives are touched by the death of someone known.

    unimaginable Dean Francis Alfar 2005

  • Should I be angry, should I despair, spread my palms in helplessness?

    Tsunami Sharon Bakar 2004

  • This is clearly not a pleasant film to watch on many levels, especially in view of the thousands of black-and-white mug shots of the murdered who stare out in mute helplessness from the various walls, prison files and hospital journals that remained at S21.

    Current Movie Reviews, Independent Movies - Film Threat 2003

  • U.S. Open will be an exercise in helplessness and hope.

    USATODAY.com - Woods still in Buick driver's seat — for now 2001

  • Dover and I could but hold our hands in helplessness and watch the antics of our hoary marvel.

    THE REJUVENATION OF MAJOR RATHBONE 1993

  • And the great lion lay and roared in helplessness, and at each prod exposed his nose more and lifted it higher, until, at the end, his red tongue ran out between his fangs and licked the boot resting none too gently on his neck, and, after that, licked the broomstick that had administered all the punishment.

    Chapter 27 1917

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