pathetic

[puh-thet-ik] / pəˈθɛt ɪk /

ADJECTIVE

sad, affecting

Synonyms

STRONGEST

deplorable feeble heartbreaking miserable pitiful poignant sorry woeful

WEAK

commiserable distressing heartrending inadequate lamentable meager melting moving paltry petty piteous pitiable plaintive poor puny rueful tender touching useless worthless wretched

Antonyms

STRONGEST

cheerful excellent glad good happy joyful wonderful

WEAK

useful worthwhile

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But Maria said the government's efforts to pull Russia out of its demographic rut were "pathetic".

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

Maybe the most pathetic men are the most dangerous ones.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

"I am doing my small and pathetic best."

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

But there is no man that is weaker than one who revels in harming others in a pathetic bid to feel bigger.

From Salon • Mar. 13, 2026

“I was almost late to get here,” I say, a pathetic attempt at a conversation starter.

From "Sparrow" by Sarah Moon

Vocabulary lists containing pathetic

Common Senses: Path ("Feeling")

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The Watsons Go to Birmingham

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Ghost Boys

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