Distressed vs Helpless - What's the difference?

As adjectives the difference between distressed and helpless

is that distressed is anxious or uneasy while helpless is unable to defend oneself or to act without help.

is past tense of distress.

(en adjective)

anxious or uneasy

I'm distressed that John hasn't answered my calls. I hope nothing bad happened to him on the way here.

(of merchandise etc) damaged

(of a property) offered for sale after foreclosure

(of furniture etc) faded or abused in order to appear old, or antique

(head)

(distress)

(en adjective)

Unable to defend oneself or to act without help.

* 1995 , (Bryan Adams),

Then when you find yourself lyin' helpless in her arms

You know you really love a woman

Uncontrollable.

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