pathetic
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for pathetic, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Arousing pity or sadness.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
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.