Need another word for Pathetic? Use these synonyms of Pathetic from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
pitiful
contemptible
miserable
wretched
deplorable
lamentable
regrettable
distressing
upsetting
saddening
disheartening
disappointing
discouraging
dispiriting
hopeless
helpless
feeble
weak
frail
inadequate
insufficient
ineffectual
inept
incompetent
incapable
ineffective
useless
futile
meaningless
insignificant
trivial
petty
paltry
ridiculous
laughable
absurd
preposterous
ludicrous
comical
farcical
pathetic
sorry
sorrowful
pitiable
abject
object
base
low
vile
despicable
shameful
ignominious
infamous
notorious
odious
hateful
abhorrent
repugnant
repulsive
disgusting
distasteful
unpalatable
unpleasant
unhappy
unfortunate
unlucky
ill-fated
doomed
hapless
luckless
ill-starred
star-crossed
calamitous
disastrous
catastrophic
ruinous
destructive
baneful
baleful
inauspicious
ominous
unfavorable
unfavourable
adverse
inimical
hostile
antagonistic
contrary
opposed
antipathetic
averse
loathsome
heinous
atrocious
egregious
flagrant
glaring
gross
rank
arrant
downright
out-and-out
utter
complete
total
absolute
sheer
unmitigated
unrelieved
unredeemed
unrestrained
uncontrolled
unchecked
unbridled
Meaning of Pathetic
The primary meaning of the word "Pathetic" is arousing pity, especially through vulnerability or sadness.
Definitions
- Arousing pity, especially through vulnerability or sadness
- Miserable or contemptible, often in a way that arouses pity
- Lacking the quality or power to evoke a strong feeling or response, especially of excitement or interest
- Inspiring a feeling of pity or sadness, often because something is very bad or of poor quality
Etymology of Pathetic
The word "Pathetic" comes from the Greek word "pathetikos", meaning "capable of feeling" or "sensitive", which is derived from "pathos", meaning "suffering" or "emotion"
The word has been used in English since the 17th century to describe something that evokes feelings of pity or sadness
Example Uses
- The homeless man's situation was truly pathetic, and it was hard not to feel a sense of pity for him
- The movie's attempt at humor was pathetic, and the audience was largely unimpressed
- The team's performance was pathetic, and they lost the game by a wide margin
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
impressive
remarkable
extraordinary
outstanding
exceptional
admirable
praiseworthy
commendable
laudable
meritorious
worthy
deserving
excellent
superb
magnificent
glorious
triumphant
victorious
successful
thriving
flourishing
prosperous
fortunate
lucky
blessed
happy
jubilant
ecstatic
elated
euphoric
delightful
pleasant
enjoyable
satisfying
gratifying
pleasing
welcome
agreeable
pleasant
charming
attractive
appealing
enticing
alluring
captivating
fascinating
intriguing
interesting
engaging
absorbing
riveting
compelling
convincing
persuasive
effective
potent
powerful
strong
robust
vigorous
energetic
dynamic
lively
vibrant
enthusiastic
passionate
dedicated
devoted
committed
resolute
determined
unwavering
unshakeable
unrelenting
unremitting
persistent
relentless
unyielding