helpless

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Many of our children’s favorite apps and social-media sites were built from the ground up to keep young users hooked and helpless to look away, consequences to their health and well-being be damned.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026

"I can't imagine how helpless people must have been," she said between heavy sighs, adding: "I really regret that I didn't knock on a single door."

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

Ramsey knew what was about to happen and, sure enough, Raphinha coolly took a touch and fired the ball past a helpless Aaron Ramsdale.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

He saved his best for last, leaving a lethal Canadian lineup that featured Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon looking helpless.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

Someday—soon, maybe—Ophie wouldn’t have to feel so helpless around the spirits she saw every day.

From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland