Helplessly refers to a situation where a person or an object is unable to do anything to bring about a change or affect the outcome of a particular event. Some synonyms that can be used to describe a situation where one is helpless include powerless, impotent, futile, ineffective, ineffectual, useless, and inept. Depending on the context in which these words are used, they can convey different shades of helplessness. For instance, powerless may suggest a lack of authority or control, while ineffectual indicates a lack of ability or competence. Regardless of the synonym used, one thing is clear; helplessness is a difficult state to be in, and it often requires external intervention to bring about a change.