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Helplessly: meaning, definitions and examples

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helplessly

 

[ ˈhɛlpləsli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

feeling or showing no hope

Feeling or showing no hope, unable to deal with a difficult situation, or not knowing what to do. It is often associated with a sense of powerlessness or despair.

Synonyms

desperately, hopelessly, powerlessly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
helplessly

Use this word when someone is unable to do anything to change a situation. It often implies a lack of control or ability to act.

  • She watched helplessly as the car slid off the road.
  • He stood by helplessly while the argument escalated.
hopelessly

Use this word when a situation seems completely without any chance of success or improvement. It often conveys a sense of complete despair.

  • They were hopelessly lost in the forest.
  • He felt hopelessly in love with her despite knowing she didn't feel the same.
powerlessly

This word is used to describe a situation where someone has no power or control over what's happening. It often implies an inability to influence events.

  • She realized powerlessly that there was nothing she could do to stop the flood.
  • He watched powerlessly as his team lost the match.
desperately

This word is used when someone is in a situation of immediate need or distress and is willing to do anything to change or escape the situation. It often conveys a sense of urgency.

  • She desperately tried to find her lost dog.
  • He was desperately searching for a solution to his financial problems.

Examples of usage

  • She looked helplessly at the broken glass on the floor.
  • He stood helplessly by as the fire destroyed his home.
  • The puppy wagged its tail helplessly as it tried to escape from the fence.
  • I felt helplessly lost in the vast desert.
  • The child cried helplessly for his mother.

Translations

Translations of the word "helplessly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desamparadamente

🇮🇳 बेसहारा

🇩🇪 hilflos

🇮🇩 tak berdaya

🇺🇦 безпорадно

🇵🇱 bezradnie

🇯🇵 無力に

🇫🇷 désespérément

🇪🇸 desamparadamente

🇹🇷 çaresizce

🇰🇷 무력하게

🇸🇦 بلا حول ولا قوة

🇨🇿 bezmocně

🇸🇰 bezmocne

🇨🇳 无助地

🇸🇮 nebogljeno

🇮🇸 hjálparvana

🇰🇿 дәрменсіз

🇬🇪 უსუსურად

🇦🇿 köməksiz

🇲🇽 desamparadamente

Etymology

The word 'helplessly' is derived from the word 'helpless', which originated in the late 16th century. The suffix '-ly' is added to the word 'helpless' to form 'helplessly', transforming the adjective into an adverb. The concept of helplessness has been explored in psychology and philosophy, highlighting the feelings of powerlessness and lack of control in various situations.

See also: helper, helpers, helpful, helpfully, helpfulness, helping, helpless, helplessness, unhelpful.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,752, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.