pathetic
12 synonyms and 1 antonym for pathetic, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Arousing pity or sadness.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adj
Arousing pity or sadness.
“The pathetic sight of the soaked kitten shivering in the rain made us stop.”
2. adj
So inadequate or feeble as to be contemptible.
“The team's pathetic performance in the second half made the fans furious.”
Opposites
How to use pathetic
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
pathetic excuse
pathetic attempt
pathetically weak
Etymology
From Ancient Greek pathetikos, "capable of feeling," from pathos, "suffering."
Full origin of pathetic →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between "pathetic" and "pitiful"?
Both can mean deserving of pity, and both can also be used dismissively to mean woefully inadequate. "Pitiful" leans a little more toward genuine pity, while "pathetic" is more commonly used today as a harsh criticism.
