The meaning of PATHETIC is having a capacity to move one to either compassionate or contemptuous pity. How to use pathetic in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Pathetic.

PATHETIC definition: causing or evoking pity, sympathetic sadness, sorrow, etc.; pitiful; pitiable. See examples of pathetic used in a sentence.

PATHETIC definition: 1. causing feelings of sadness, sympathy, or sometimes lack of respect, especially because a person…. Learn more.

If you describe someone or something as pathetic, you mean that they make you feel impatient or angry, often because they are weak or not very good.

Definition of pathetic adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

There are ten meanings listed in OED's entry for the word pathetic, five of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

causing or evoking pity, sympathetic sadness, sorrow, etc.; pitiful; pitiable: a pathetic letter; a pathetic sight. affecting or moving the feelings. pertaining to or caused by the feelings. …

Definition of pathetic. English dictionary and integrated thesaurus for learners, writers, teachers, and students with advanced, intermediate, and beginner levels.

Dec 14, 2025 · pathetic (comparative more pathetic, superlative most pathetic) The child’s pathetic pleas for forgiveness stirred the young man’s heart.

1. causing or evoking pity, either sympathetically or contemptibly; pitiful: a pathetic sight; a pathetic return on our investment. 2. sad; sorrowful; mournful: a pathetic tone of voice.