# helplessness

/ˈhɛɫpɫəsnəs/ (US) · /hˈɛlpləsnəs/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/helplessness
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

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.

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

## Examples

- The feeling of helplessness grew as the storm continued.
- Witnessing the accident without being able to assist left him with a deep sense of helplessness.
- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.