Meaning and usage of the word helplessness in English

Meaning of vocabulary helplessness

helplessnessnoun

bất lực

/ˈhelpləsnəs//ˈhelpləsnəs/

Origin of the word helplessness

"Helplessness" is a relatively recent word, appearing in English around the 16th century. It combines the Old English word "hel" (meaning "whole" or "sound") and the suffix "-less" (meaning "without"). Therefore, "helplessness" literally means "the state of being without wholeness or soundness". The word evolved to describe a condition of being unable to act or defend oneself, highlighting the lack of strength or ability to cope.

Vocabulary summary helplessness

typenoun

meaninghelplessness, helplessness

meaninghelplessness; helplessness; helplessness

Example of vocabulary helplessnessnamespace

  • As she stared at the growing flames consuming her home, Jane felt a wave of helplessness wash over her, unable to save her belongings or the cherished memories kept inside.
  • Tornado sirens blared in the distance but Susan was helpless as the winds picked up outside, bouncing her car around like a toy as she struggled to drive through the fierce storm.
  • The man locked in a prison cell, with no hope for parole, felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness, unable to fight against the harsh realities of his confinement.
  • As she held her father's hand in the ICU, Lily felt a type of helplessness she had never experienced before, watching as the machines beeped loudly, doing their best to save his life.
  • In the midst of a busy workday, Maria couldn't help but feel lost and helpless as she struggled to complete her tasks, overwhelmed by the heavy workload and mounting pressure.

Words, synonyms, related vocabulary helplessness

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