helpful

1 of 2

adjective

help·​ful ˈhelp-fəl 

Southern often ˈhep-

also ˈheəp-

: of service or assistance : useful

a helpful neighbor

helpful advice

just trying to be helpful

helpfully

ˈhelp-fə-lē 

adverb

helpfulness noun

helpfulness

2 of 2

noun

help·​ful·​ness

-fəlnə̇s

plural -es

: the quality or state of being helpful

the … helpfulness of reference books

—C. B. Shaw

Synonyms of helpful

Adjective

• useful

Examples of helpful in a Sentence

Adjective

A helpful neighbor shoveled our walkway.

a kind and helpful person

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Writing her a letter might be helpful but write a few drafts first. — R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 10 Oct. 2026

The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful—don't expect any pretense here, just genuine (and enjoyable) engagement. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026

As the Moon enters your 4th House, home becomes a helpful place to reset. — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 9 Oct. 2026

Extra clean water is also helpful in the event a pet is exposed to flood waters or other risky conditions, such as an area with chemicals. — ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

see help entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing helpful

• come in useful/helpful

Rhymes for helpful

• unhelpful

Kids Definition

helpful

adjective

help·​ful ˈhelp-fəl 

: providing help

a helpful neighbor

helpfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

helpfulness noun