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Meaning of Helplessness | Babel Free

Noun CEFR C1
ˈhɛlplɪsnɪs

Definitions

  1. The state of being helpless.
    uncountable, usually
  2. A feeling of inadequacy or impotence.
    uncountable, usually

Equivalents

Examples

“Near-synonyms: powerlessness, impotence”
“From the most ancient times to the present, in the crudest primitive tribe or the most magnificently ornamented civilization, man has found himself in a state of awed helplessness when confronted by the phenomena of strange illnesses or aberrations.”
“ADAM: 'You are faced with overwhelming power. Accept your helplessness.'”
“Captain Edward Carlisle, soldier as he was, martinet as he was, felt a curious sensation of helplessness seize upon him as he met her steady gaze, her alluring smile ; he could not tell what this prisoner might do.”

CEFR level

C1
Advanced
This word is part of the CEFR C1 vocabulary — advanced level.
See all C1 English words →

See also

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