helpliness

English

Etymology

From helply +‎ -ness.

Noun

helpliness (uncountable)

1. The state, quality, or condition of being helply
   • 1825, Edinburgh Dramatic Review - Volumes 3-5:

     Where she finds her greatness, departing from her, and is made mute equally by a sense of helpliness, and a feeling of pride, her look and attitude conveyed wonderful expression.

   • 1872, The London Journal: And Weekly Record of Literature, Science, and Art:

     "[...] What is there to prevent me ?" Dwelling on this question, as if weighed down by a sense of ignoble self-helpliness, he fell fast asleep.