ENGLISH
REFERENCE

helplessness

n.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈhɛɫpɫəsnəs// UK //hˈɛlpləsnəs// help·less·ness

n. the feeling that you cannot do anything to change a situation or help someone else. It is a strong feeling of being stuck and unable to act.

n. the state of being unable to influence or change a situation, often accompanied by a sense of despair or lack of control.


SIMPLE

The feeling of helplessness grew as the storm continued.

CONTEXTUAL

Witnessing the accident without being able to assist left him with a deep sense of helplessness.

COMPLEX

The protagonist's internal struggle is defined by a profound helplessness regarding her family's financial decline, despite her own efforts to find a solution.

Synonyms
Origin

From helpless + -ness.

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