helplessness

UK: /ˈhɛlpləsnəs/ | US: /ˈhɛlpləsnəs/

Definition

  1. n. the state of being unable to act or function without assistance

  2. n. a feeling of powerlessness or vulnerability

Structure
help <assistance>less <without>ness <noun suffix>
Etymology

The word "helplessness" combines three morphemes:

  1. "Help" (from Old English helpan, meaning "to aid or support")
  2. "-less" (a suffix from Old English -lēas, meaning "without")
  3. "-ness" (a noun-forming suffix from Old English -nes, indicating a state or condition).
    The progression is logical: "help" (assistance) + "less" (lacking) + "ness" (state) → "the state of lacking assistance." This structure vividly captures the emotional and functional dimensions of the word.
Examples

  1. The puppy's helplessness moved her to adopt it immediately.

  2. After the accident, he felt a deep sense of helplessness.

  3. Natural disasters often reveal the helplessness of human technology.

  4. Her helplessness in math class made her seek tutoring.

  5. The documentary highlighted the helplessness of refugees in war zones.