'helpless' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'helpan,' where 'help' meant 'to assist' and '-less' indicated 'without.'

'helpan' transformed into the Middle English word 'helpen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'help' with the suffix '-less' added to form 'helpless.'

Initially, it meant 'without help or assistance,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.