Helpless
Helpless adjective - Lacking protection from danger or resistance against attack.
Unfortunate and helpless are semantically related. In some cases you can use "Unfortunate" instead an adjective "Helpless".
Unfortunate
Unfortunate adjective - Bringing about ruin or misfortune.
Helpless and unfortunate are semantically related. Sometimes you can use "Helpless" instead an adjective "Unfortunate".
Nearby Word: unfortunately
Both words in one sentence
- You're not truly helpless, but you won't be shooting again for a second or two while your unfortunate victim's allies exact revenge.
Source: Death-or-Glory Attack -
And anyway, it could create Unfortunate Implications if someone in a privileged position sees others as helpless without them; see Condescending Compassion and White Man's Burden.
Source: Good Samaritan -
This has a number of Unfortunate Implications, namely that minorities are helpless and unable to overcome the problem themselves; only with Mighty Whitey's help can they succeed.
Source: Glurge
Cite this Source
Unfortunate and Helpless. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 09, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/helpless/unfortunate
Helpless & Unfortunate. N.p., 2016. Web. 09 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/helpless/unfortunate>.
Unfortunate or Helpless. 2016. Accessed August 09, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/helpless/unfortunate.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "helpless" and "unfortunate" have occurred on timeline