Top 25 Slang For Helpless – Meaning & Usage

Feeling lost in the world of slang? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ve gathered the top slang for feeling helpless that will have you nodding in agreement and maybe even chuckling at how accurately they capture those moments of utter defeat. So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn some new expressions that perfectly sum up those times when you just can’t catch a break.

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1. At a loss

When faced with a difficult problem, you might say, “I’m completely at a loss as to how to solve this.”

If someone asks you for directions and you don’t know the way, you could say, “Sorry, I’m at a loss.”
When trying to understand a complex concept, you might admit, “I’m at a loss when it comes to quantum physics.”

2. In a pickle

When faced with a problem with no easy solution, you might say, “I’m really in a pickle here.”

If you accidentally delete an important file, you could exclaim, “Well, I’m in a pickle now.”
When caught between two conflicting options, you might sigh, “I find myself in a real pickle.”

3. Helpless as a baby

When feeling completely powerless, you might say, “I’m as helpless as a baby in this situation.”

If you’re sick in bed and unable to move, you could moan, “I feel so helpless.”
When witnessing a friend struggle with a task, you might comment, “They look as helpless as a baby trying to tie their shoes.”

4. In dire straits

When facing extreme hardship, you might say, “We’re in dire straits and need help immediately.”

If a company is on the verge of bankruptcy, you could describe their situation as “dire straits.”
When a person is trapped in a life-threatening situation, you might exclaim, “They’re in dire straits and need to be rescued.”

5. S.O.L.

When there’s no hope or possibility of improvement, you might say, “I’m S.O.L. in this situation.”

If you’re stranded in the middle of nowhere with a broken-down car, you could lament, “Looks like we’re S.O.L.”
When facing a deadline with no completed work, you might admit, “I’m S.O.L. on this project.”

6. Powerless

This term refers to a state of being without power or control over a situation. It often implies a feeling of helplessness or inability to influence the outcome.

For example, someone might say, “I feel so powerless in this situation. There’s nothing I can do to change it.”
In a discussion about social justice issues, a person might express, “Those who are marginalized often feel powerless in the face of systemic injustice.”
Another might say, “Being in a toxic relationship can make you feel completely powerless.”

7. Clueless

When someone is clueless, it means they have no knowledge or understanding about a particular subject or situation. It often implies a sense of helplessness or being lost.

For instance, if someone is asked a question they don’t know the answer to, they might respond, “Sorry, I’m clueless about that.”
In a conversation about technology, a person might admit, “I’m completely clueless when it comes to computers.”
Another might say, “I feel clueless about what career path to choose.”

8. Defenseless

This term describes a state of being without protection or means of defense. It often conveys a feeling of vulnerability and helplessness.

For example, if someone is being attacked and has no way to defend themselves, they are defenseless.
In a discussion about animal rights, a person might argue, “Animals in factory farms are defenseless against the cruelty inflicted upon them.”
Another might say, “I felt defenseless when my car broke down in the middle of nowhere.”

9. Vulnerable

When someone is vulnerable, it means they are open to harm or attack. It often implies a sense of helplessness or being exposed.

For instance, if someone shares their deepest fears or insecurities, they are being vulnerable.
In a conversation about cybersecurity, a person might warn, “Leaving your personal information unprotected online makes you vulnerable to identity theft.”
Another might say, “Being vulnerable in a relationship requires trust and emotional openness.”

10. Stranded

This term refers to being left without means of transportation or support, often in a remote or unfamiliar place. It conveys a sense of helplessness and being stuck.

For example, if someone’s car breaks down in the middle of nowhere and they have no way to get help, they are stranded.
In a discussion about travel mishaps, a person might share, “I once got stranded at an airport overnight due to a canceled flight.”
Another might say, “Being stranded on a deserted island is a common theme in adventure novels and movies.”

11. Forsaken

This term refers to someone or something that has been left alone or abandoned, often in a hopeless or helpless situation.

For example, “After losing his job and his home, he felt forsaken by everyone.”
In a discussion about a neglected building, someone might say, “The old factory stands forsaken and crumbling.”
A person feeling isolated and alone might express, “I feel completely forsaken, like no one cares about me.”

12. Marooned

To be marooned means to be left alone or stranded in a place with no means of escape or assistance.

For instance, “After the shipwreck, the survivors were marooned on a deserted island.”
In a conversation about being stuck without transportation, someone might say, “I’m marooned at the airport with no way to get home.”
A person feeling trapped in a difficult situation might exclaim, “I feel completely marooned, with no way out!”

13. Helpless as a kitten

This phrase is used to emphasize someone’s vulnerability or lack of ability to handle a situation.

For example, “When faced with a big problem, he felt as helpless as a kitten.”
In a discussion about a challenging task, someone might say, “I’m completely helpless as a kitten when it comes to fixing cars.”
A person feeling overwhelmed by a difficult situation might express, “I’m as helpless as a kitten, I don’t know what to do!”

14. Abandoned

To be abandoned means to be left alone or deserted without any support or care.

For instance, “The old house was abandoned and left to decay.”
In a conversation about a neglected pet, someone might say, “The poor dog was abandoned by its owner.”
A person feeling neglected or forgotten might express, “I feel abandoned by my friends, like they don’t care about me anymore.”

15. Impotent

This term is often used metaphorically to describe someone or something that is unable to take action or make a difference.

For example, “In the face of injustice, she felt impotent, unable to change anything.”
In a discussion about a failed project, someone might say, “Our efforts were impotent, we couldn’t achieve the desired outcome.”
A person feeling powerless in a difficult situation might exclaim, “I feel completely impotent, like there’s nothing I can do to improve the situation.”

16. Hamstrung

This term refers to a feeling of being restricted or hindered, often due to external circumstances or obstacles. It can also imply a sense of powerlessness or being at a disadvantage.

For example, “I wanted to pursue my dream career, but I was hamstrung by financial constraints.”
In a sports context, someone might say, “The team was hamstrung by injuries to key players.”
A person discussing a difficult situation might say, “I feel hamstrung by my lack of experience in this field.”

17. Paralyzed

This slang term describes a state of being completely unable to move or take action. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a feeling of helplessness or being unable to make decisions.

For instance, “I was paralyzed with fear when I saw the spider.”
In a figurative sense, someone might say, “I feel paralyzed by the overwhelming amount of work I have to do.”
A person discussing a traumatic event might say, “I felt paralyzed by shock and couldn’t react in the moment.”

18. Struggling

This term refers to the act of experiencing difficulty or challenges in a particular situation. It can indicate a feeling of helplessness or being overwhelmed by obstacles.

For example, “I’m struggling to understand this complex math problem.”
In a personal context, someone might say, “I’m struggling with my mental health right now.”
A person discussing a difficult relationship might say, “We’re struggling to communicate effectively.”

19. Overwhelmed

This slang term describes a feeling of being completely overcome or inundated by something, often to the point of feeling helpless or unable to cope.

For instance, “I’m overwhelmed with the amount of work I have to do.”
In a personal context, someone might say, “I’m overwhelmed by my emotions right now.”
A person discussing a stressful situation might say, “I feel overwhelmed by all the responsibilities on my plate.”

20. Desperate

This term describes a feeling of extreme urgency or despair, often accompanied by a sense of helplessness or a need for immediate action or resolution.

For example, “I’m desperate for a job because I can’t pay my bills.”
In a personal context, someone might say, “I’m desperate for a change in my life.”
A person discussing a difficult situation might say, “I’m feeling desperate and don’t know what to do.”

21. Helpless as a lamb

This phrase is used to describe someone who is completely defenseless and unable to protect themselves or take control of a situation.

For example, “When faced with a dangerous predator, the lamb is helpless.”
In a metaphorical sense, someone might say, “I feel as helpless as a lamb in this situation.”
Another usage could be, “She looked at the daunting task ahead and felt as helpless as a lamb.”

22. Up a creek without a paddle

This phrase refers to being in a challenging or hopeless predicament without any means of escape or solution.

For instance, “I forgot my phone at home and now I’m up a creek without a paddle.”
In a conversation about a tough problem, someone might say, “We’re up a creek without a paddle on this one.”
Another usage could be, “Without any backup plans, they were up a creek without a paddle.”

23. Between a rock and a hard place

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is faced with two equally challenging or unfavorable options.

For example, “She was between a rock and a hard place, having to choose between her job and her family.”
In a discussion about tough decisions, someone might say, “I feel like I’m between a rock and a hard place.”
Another usage could be, “The company was between a rock and a hard place, forced to lay off employees or risk bankruptcy.”

24. Stuck in a rut

This phrase describes a situation where someone feels stuck, repeating the same routines or facing the same challenges without any improvement or change.

For instance, “He’s been doing the same job for years and feels stuck in a rut.”
In a conversation about personal growth, someone might say, “I need to make changes in my life, I’m stuck in a rut.”
Another usage could be, “She felt like she was stuck in a rut, unable to break free from her monotonous routine.”

25. At the mercy of

This phrase describes a situation where someone has no control and is completely reliant on the decisions or actions of another person or external factors.

For example, “The hostages were at the mercy of their captors.”
In a discussion about vulnerability, someone might say, “When you’re in a vulnerable position, you’re at the mercy of others.”
Another usage could be, “The outcome of the court case was at the mercy of the judge’s ruling.”