Alone and helpless (7)
I believe the answer is:
unaided
This clue could be a double definition.
'alone' is the first definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'helpless' is the second definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Maybe you can see an association between them that I don't see?
'and' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for unaided that I've seen before include "having received zero help" , "Dun aide being without help" , "Without extra help" , "Quite without assistance" , "Without help or assistance" .)