HELPLESSLY

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does helplessly mean? 

• HELPLESSLY (adverb)
  The adverb HELPLESSLY has 1 sense:

1. in a helpless manner

  Familiarity information: HELPLESSLY used as an adverb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• HELPLESSLY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

In a helpless manner

Synonyms:

helplessly; impotently

Context example:

the crowd watched him helplessly

Pertainym:

helpless (lacking in or deprived of strength or power)

 Context examples 

“Try Copperfield, if you please, sir,” said I, looking helplessly down.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

He sank down upon the sea-chest, and looked helplessly from one of us to the other.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

He tried to soothe his nose with his tongue, but the tongue was burnt too, and the two hurts coming together produced greater hurt; whereupon he cried more hopelessly and helplessly than ever.

(White Fang, by Jack London)

The speed with which I ran from the galley caused excruciating pain in my knee, and I sank down helplessly at the break of the poop.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

The other gentlemen speculated with equal rashness in all sorts of frail trifles, and wandered helplessly about afterward, burdened with wax flowers, painted fans, filigree portfolios, and other useful and appropriate purchases.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

He discovered the mistake too late, when Thornton was abreast of him and a bare half-dozen strokes away while he was being carried helplessly past.

(The Call of the Wild, by Jack London)

He looked about him helplessly.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

His seconds were on him instantly, and propped him up in a sitting position, his head rolling helplessly from one shoulder to the other, and finally toppling backwards with his chin pointed to the ceiling.

(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

The horses jumped about and reared, and looked helplessly round with eyes that rolled in a way painful to see; but the living ring of terror encompassed them on every side; and they had perforce to remain within it.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

My body struck and pounded as it was dashed helplessly along and turned over and over, and when I could hold my breath no longer, I breathed the stinging salt water into my lungs.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)