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help·less
 helpless
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- pronunciation:
- hel
plihs
- features:
- Word Explorer, Word Parts
| part of speech: |
adjective |
| definition 1: |
unable to take care of oneself.
My baby sister is helpless and can't feed or change herself.- antonyms:
- independent
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| definition 2: |
without power or control.
We knew we were helpless in our small boat during the big storm. |
| related words: |
dependent, infirm, vulnerable, weak |
| derivations: |
helplessly (adv.), helplessness (n.) |
The word helpless
contains the following part:
-less
Middle English
adjective-forming suffix
that means without
  More about this word part:
The suffix -less
attaches primarily to monosyllabic English nouns. However, -less
is a fully productive suffix, meaning it can be added to any noun to form legitimate new words.
Example words:
aimless, breathless, careless, countless, doubtless, endless, fearless, heartless, helpless, homeless, hopeless, penniless, priceless, regardless, restless, sightless, tasteless, thoughtless, useless, wireless, weightless, worthless
- synonyms:
- a-1, an-1
- antonyms:
- -ful1
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