-plə̇s adjective
Etymology: Middle English helples, from help + -les -less
1. : lacking protection or support : defenseless
as helpless as a flock of shepherdless sheep — W.H.Mallock
2. : lacking in effectiveness : futile
a helpless medley of indecisions — Hugh Walpole
3.
a. : lacking in strength or vigor : incapable of action : powerless
fell ill and lay helpless at the mouth of the river — Francis Parkman
the government … drifted helpless in the conflicting currents — Charles & Mary Beard
b. : lacking power to resist : involuntary
the tiny spill of pebbles in helpless fall — Richard Llewellyn
4. : lacking in comprehension : bewildered
blinked at the candle in a helpless way, like a young barn owl — Mary Webb