Definitions
from The Century Dictionary.
- In a helpless manner or condition.
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.
- adverb Without protection or assistance.
- adverb Without the ability to help oneself.
- adverb Without the ability to react actively.
from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
- adverb in a helpless manner
Etymologies
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License
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Examples
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Nearly every man in the hundred million people -- in what we call helplessly "the public group" and looking on at strikes would be ready, except in his own strike, to write a book like this.
The Ghost in the White House Some suggestions as to how a hundred million people (who are supposed in a vague, helpless way to haunt the white house) can mak Gerald Stanley Lee 1903
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I called helplessly, not wanting to say aloud the title of the poem.
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With James watching helplessly from the bench after fouling out for only the third time in his career, a trio of teammates made big plays in the final 4 minutes as the Cavaliers held off the Charlotte Bobcats 118-114 on Wednesday to snap a six-game road skid.
USATODAY.com 2007
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Elton Brand had 25 points and 10 rebounds, Tim Thomas also scored 25 and the Clippers snapped a four-game home losing streak with a 100-77 victory Wednesday night as the Celtics 'leading scorer watched helplessly from the bench in street clothes.
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But he apparently felt too much pain and changed back into street clothes, watching helplessly from the bench as Miami's offense grinded to a halt without him.
USATODAY.com 2005
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While Duncan watched helplessly from the bench, Kidd made a dramatic return less than six weeks after suffering what many figured to be a season-ending injury.
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"Tessibel," he called helplessly, under his breath, but Tessibel did not hear.
Tess of the Storm Country Grace Miller White 1912
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As one Dark Elf sword helplessly followed the pattern, moving out of line, Kevin thrust, feeling his sword cut flesh, hearing a choked snarl of pain.
The Chaos Gate Lackey, Mercedes 1994
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He repeated the last word helplessly; he seemed to have lost all his backbone, and lapsed into a flabby, jellified mass of quivering white humanity.
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I get tired of the finger pointing at the junta as if they are operating all alone while the world stands "helplessly" by.
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