Pathetically

usgb/pəˈθetɪkli/
adverb

In a way that makes you feel pity or sadness, because of being very weak, bad, or unsuccessful.

He was lying there pathetically, unable to move.
Visual representation of "pathetically" - In a way that makes you feel pity or sadness, because of being very weak, bad, or unsuccessful

Often appears as...

  • petition pathetically
  • weep pathetically

Usage tips

Disapproving

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "pathetically"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emotion Trigger

Use 'pathetically' to express strong empathy or sadness for someone or something very weak or unsuccessful.

Illustration for Emotion Trigger
Despite his efforts, he failed pathetically.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Negative Description

'Pathetically' conveys a negative judgment, showing that something is not just bad, but dishearteningly so.

Illustration for Negative Description
The team's skills were pathetically below the standard.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Describing Failure

Use it when describing something that fails to such an extent it evokes pity or sadness.

Illustration for Describing Failure
He pathetically missed every question on the quiz.
Visual representation of the word "Pathetically"

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