# learned helplessness

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈlɝnd ˈhɛlplɪsnɪs/

## Definitions
1. A psychological state arising after an individual is repeatedly exposed to uncontrollable negative events, leading them to perceive their actions as ineffective in altering their adverse circumstances.

## Etymology
From psychological research in the 1960s; details are at Wikipedia.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/learned-helplessness