26984 words

pathetic

4 definitions • 7 examples
1
causing feelings of sadness, sympathy, or sometimes lack of respect, especially because a person or an animal is suffering:

Examples:

The refugees were a pathetic sight - starving, frightened and cold.
After the accident he became a pathetic figure, a shadow of his former self.
2
unsuccessful or showing no ability, effort, or bravery, so that people feel no respect :

Examples:

a pathetic attempt/joke/excuse
Are you telling me you're frightened to speak to her? Don't be so pathetic!
3

Examples:

I think it’s pathetic that only half of the eligible voters tend to vote.
4

Examples:

a pathetic excuse
Bernie’s hitting was pretty pathetic!

Navigation