pathetic
Pathetic (adj) means arousing pity or sadness. Example: “The stray dog's pathetic whimpering broke her heart.”
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.
In everyday speech, "pathetic" is usually an insult meaning "feeble" or "hopeless," not a neutral description of sadness.
Word forms
more pathetic comparative, most pathetic superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The stray dog's _____ whimpering broke her heart.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek pathetikos, "capable of feeling," from pathos, "suffering."
Related words
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 pitiful, pitiable, feeble, lamentable, contemptible, woeful.
What are the different meanings of pathetic?
"pathetic" has 2 main meanings: 1. Arousing pity or sadness; 2. So inadequate or feeble as to be contemptible.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include pathetic: