Pathetic
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /pəˈθɛtɪk/ · Part of speech adjective
Quick meaning: Pathetic is an adjective meaning Arousing pity, sympathy, or compassion; exciting pathos.
Meaning
Arousing pity, sympathy, or compassion; exciting pathos.
More Meanings
- Arousing scorn or contempt, often due to miserable inadequacy.
- (anatomy) Trochlear.
- (obsolete) Expressing or showing anger; passionate.
Example Sentences
You can't even run two miles? That’s pathetic.
The child’s pathetic pleas for forgiveness stirred the young man’s heart.
You're almost 26 years old and you still can't hold a real job? That's pathetic.
Well you'd better think of something because middle-aged tramps aren't cute, they're pathetic.
Word Forms
- pathetick
- patheticke
- pathetique
Synonyms for pathetic
Depending on context, synonyms include pathetisad, pitiable, pitiful, wretched, compassionate, piteous.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include pitiful, pitiable, piteous, wretched, miserable, contemptible.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.