194 Another Word for Pathetic? – Pathetic Synonyms & Antonyms

Want to say pathetic differently? Here are other words for pathetic and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.


Meaning of pathetic

The primary meaning of the word "pathetic" is arousing pity or sadness.

Etymology of pathetic

The word "pathetic" comes from the Greek word "pathetikos", meaning "capable of feeling" or "emotional", and the Latin word "patheticus", which was used to describe something that could evoke emotions, especially pity or sadness.
Historically, the word "pathetic" was used in the 17th century to describe something that could evoke emotions, but over time its meaning shifted to describe something or someone that is weak, inadequate, or contemptible.

Synonyms

pitiful contemptible miserable wretched deplorable lamentable regrettable unfortunate unhappy distressing sad sorrowful painful upsetting disturbing disappointing disheartening discouraging hopeless helpless ineffectual ineffective useless futile feeble weak frail inadequate insufficient unsatisfactory unacceptable inferior poor sad unhappy dismal gloomy dreary depressing despondent despairing forlorn desolate woeful plaintive pitiable moving touching poignant heartbreaking heartrending tearful mournful doleful lamenting plaintive

Definitions

  • Arousing pity or sadness, especially because someone or something is weak or inadequate
  • Lacking dignity or inspiring contempt, often because someone or something is considered weak or inadequate
  • (Of a person or their behavior) inspiring a mixture of pity and contempt, often because they are considered weak or inadequate

Usage Examples

  • The movie's portrayal of the character's struggles was so pathetic that it left the audience feeling sad and frustrated.
  • The team's performance in the championship game was pathetic, and they lost by a wide margin.
  • The condition of the homeless shelter was pathetic, with inadequate food, water, and sanitation facilities.

Antonyms

impressive admirable excellent outstanding remarkable exceptional extraordinary powerful strong capable effective efficient satisfactory acceptable superior excellent superb magnificent grand glorious proud dignified respectable commendable laudable praiseworthy heroic courageous bold confident competent

Related Adjectives

sad sorrowful pitiful miserable wretched deplorable lamentable regrettable unhappy distressing painful upsetting disturbing disappointing disheartening discouraging hopeless helpless ineffectual ineffective useless futile feeble weak frail inadequate insufficient unsatisfactory unacceptable inferior poor dismal gloomy dreary depressing despondent despairing forlorn desolate woeful plaintive pitiable moving touching poignant heartbreaking heartrending tearful mournful doleful lamenting plaintive

Related Nouns

sorrow sadness pity compassion sympathy empathy misery wretchedness dejection despair hopelessness helplessness inadequacy weakness frailty feebleness poverty destitution homelessness suffering affliction distress discomfort pain anguish grief bereavement mourning lamentation

Related Verbs

suffer struggle languish pine yearn mourn lament grieve bewail bemoan pity sympathize empathize comfort console alleviate mitigate relieve improve strengthen empower uplift inspire motivate hearten encourage
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