adj
Common
pathetic
puh-THEH-tihk
Pathetic (adj) means arousing pity or sadness. Example: “The pathetic sight of the soaked kitten shivering in the rain made us stop.”
adj
1
Arousing pity or sadness.
"The pathetic sight of the soaked kitten shivering in the rain made us stop."
"It was a pathetic scene when the lost child sat crying on the pavement."
"The stray dog's pathetic whimpering broke her heart."
2
So inadequate or feeble as to be contemptible.
"The team's pathetic performance in the second half made the fans furious."
"His attempt at an apology was pathetic."
"That's a pathetic excuse for being late."
How to use pathetic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither genuinely sad and pity-inducing, or (more commonly today) so weak or poor that it's almost laughable or contemptible.
Common mistake
In everyday speech, "pathetic" is usually an insult meaning "feeble" or "hopeless," not a neutral description of sadness.
Common pairings
pathetic excuse
pathetic attempt
pathetically weak
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more pathetic
- Superlative
- most pathetic
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ sight of the soaked kitten shivering in the rain made us stop.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek pathetikos, "capable of feeling," from pathos, "suffering."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for pathetic
See all rhymes for 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.
What is the meaning of pathetic?
"pathetic" (adj) means arousing pity or sadness.
What is another word for pathetic?
Other words for "pathetic" include ridiculous, pitiful, pitiable, feeble, lamentable, contemptible.
What is the opposite of pathetic?
The opposite of "pathetic" is estimable.
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