How to pronounce helpless
Say it like HEL-plus. Helpless has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HEL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce helpless. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- HEL
- plus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Helpless pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HELSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- plusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of helpless
American and British speakers say helpless in essentially the same way: /ˈhɛlpləs/ in the US and /ˈhɛlplɪs/ in the UK.
British respelling: HEL-plis.
What does helpless mean?
- lacking in or deprived of strength or power“lying ill and helpless”“helpless with laughter”
- unable to function; without help
- unable to manage independently“as helpless as a baby”
Where does helpless come from?
From Middle English helples, from Old English *helplēas (“helpless”) from Proto-Germanic *helpōlausaz, equivalent to help + -less.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying helpless
How do you pronounce helpless?
Say HEL-plus. The American pronunciation is /ˈhɛlpləs/. In British English it is /ˈhɛlplɪs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in helpless?
Helpless has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HEL). Broken into parts: HEL · plus.
Do Americans and Brits say helpless the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈhɛlpləs/ and the British form is /ˈhɛlplɪs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.