helplessness — the state of being unable to help oneself or act effectively; a feeling of powerlessness
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the state of being unable to help oneself or act effectively; a feeling of powerlessness
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈhɛlplɪsnəs/
Example Sentences
- During the civil service exam, many candidates experience helplessness when they can't recall the answer they studied.
- My cat looked at me with such helplessness after getting stuck in the box it was too fat to climb out of.
- The government must address the helplessness felt by citizens during natural disasters.
helplessness
NOUN[/ˈhɛlplɪsnəs/]
the state of being unable to help oneself or act effectively; a feeling of powerlessness
The villagers watched in helplessness as floodwaters swallowed their homes.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Old English 'helpan' (to help, to aid), a Germanic root meaning 'to support or assist.' The suffix '-less' (meaning without or lacking) was added to form 'helpless' (without help or aid), and the nominal suffix '-ness' (denoting a state or condition) was appended to create the abstract noun 'helplessness,' conveying the state of being without aid or support.
Breakdown
help- (Old English helpan, to aid) + -less (suffix meaning without) + -ness (suffix forming abstract nouns denoting states or conditions).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“During the civil service exam, many candidates experience helplessness when they can't recall the answer they studied.”
“My cat looked at me with such helplessness after getting stuck in the box it was too fat to climb out of.”
“The government must address the helplessness felt by citizens during natural disasters.”
“He felt total helplessness when his phone died at 1% battery right as he was about to win the game.”
📚Related Words
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