/ ˈhelpləs; NAmE / adjective
1.
unable to take care of yourself or do things without the help of other people :
the helpless victims of war
a helpless gesture / look
He lay helpless on the floor.
It's natural to feel helpless against such abuse.
The worst part is being helpless to change anything.
2.
helpless (with sth) unable to control a strong feeling :
helpless panic / rage
The audience was helpless with laughter .
► help·less·ly adverb :
They watched helplessly as their home went up in flames.
► help·less·ness noun [ U ]:
a feeling / sense of helplessness