Pathetic

usgb/pəˈθetɪk/
adjective

Causing feelings of sadness, sympathy, or sometimes lack of respect, especially because a person or an animal is suffering.

She looked so pathetic that I agreed to help her.
Visual representation of "pathetic" - Causing feelings of sadness, sympathy, or sometimes lack of respect, especially because a person or an animal is suffering

Often appears as...

  • look pathetic
  • feel pathetic

Usage tips

Disapproving

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "pathetic"
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Empathy Trigger

Used when someone seems so helpless or unfortunate it makes you feel sorry for them.

Illustration for Empathy Trigger
The stray dog looked pathetic in the pouring rain.
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Not Disrespect

'Pathetic' can show sympathy without necessarily disrespecting someone's effort or situation.

Illustration for Not Disrespect
After the accident, his whimpers were quite pathetic.
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Observational Use

Often used to describe appearance or expression that indicates suffering or sadness.

Illustration for Observational Use
His pathetic figure slumped in defeat was unforgettable.
Visual representation of the word "Pathetic"

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