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.

Bullard called his reaction "pathetic" and explained that he had quit because he wanted to go home.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

It only matters to us that Les manages to return Lindy to her former status; his thirst for recognition is represented as pathetic and unseemly.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

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

There were the few pathetic mementos of thirty years in other people’s homes.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

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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