helplessness

The state of being helpless.uncountableusually

• Near-synonyms: powerlessness, impotence

A feeling of inadequacy or impotence.uncountableusually

• 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.