Bobby sounded helpless, strangling on his own guilt and shame.

His voice came out sounding helpless and despairing.

What could she say that wouldn't sound stupid or helpless or hopeless?

He sounded helpless and afraid, as if he had done something wrong.

"Serena," he said a third time, sounding lost and helpless.

The voice, as before, sounded a little helpless, more than a little vulnerable.

But it was embarrassing to sound so helpless and needy.

He sounded rather helpless now, as though wondering how to deal with someone who had suddenly gone mad in front of him.

He sounded so helpless she wanted to embrace him, to comfort the priest as if he were a child in the world.

The last question sounded a little helpless.