Helpless and Useless

Helpless

Helpless adjective - Unable to act or achieve one's purpose.
Usage example: we watched, feeling helpless, as the vase slipped from her hand and crashed to the floor

Useless and helpless are semantically related. In some cases you can use "Useless" instead an adjective "Helpless".

Nearby Words: help, helpful, helplessness, helplessly

Useless

Useless adjective - Not capable of being put to use or account.

Helpless and useless are semantically related. Sometimes you can use "Helpless" instead an adjective "Useless".

Nearby Words: use, useful, uselessly

Both words in one sentence

  • Basically, he's been Brought Down to Normal, but he/she isn't useless or helpless.
  • About five characters have a subplot revolving around how useless or helpless they feel, or how they can't protect those they care about.
  • Damsel in Distress However they are seldom quite helpless or useless.
Cite this Source
Useless and Helpless. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 18, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/helpless/useless
Helpless & Useless. N.p., 2016. Web. 18 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/helpless/useless>.
Useless or Helpless. 2016. Accessed August 18, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/helpless/useless.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "helpless" and "useless" have occurred on timeline