Word
helplessly
Phoneticshelp·less·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈhɛɫpɫəsɫi/
UK/hˈɛlpləsli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a way that shows you are unable to do anything to change a situation. You use this when you feel like you have no power or control.
adv. in a manner that indicates a lack of power or ability to act; without hope of success or intervention. Often describes a state of vulnerability or emotional distress.
Examples
“The small child looked up at the tall building helplessly.”
“The stranded hikers watched the storm helplessly, knowing they had no way to signal for a rescue.”
“The protagonist stared at the locked door helplessly, aware that the key was still inside the house and that no one else was around to assist him.”
Examples
simple
“The small child looked up at the tall building helplessly.”
contextual
“The stranded hikers watched the storm helplessly, knowing they had no way to signal for a rescue.”
complex
“The protagonist stared at the locked door helplessly, aware that the key was still inside the house and that no one else was around to assist him.”
Real-World Examples
“When it did, they watched helplessly on its cameras as Lemons’s movements gradually stopped, his life fading away.” Etymology
From helpless + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/helplessly