pathetic
What does "pathetic" mean?
The word "pathetic" describes something or someone that is so inadequate, weak, or miserable that it evokes feelings of pity or contempt. The mental image is often of someone trying very hard to achieve something but failing miserably, or a situation that is so sad and small that it feels embarrassing to witness. In usage, it is a highly charged word. It can be used empathetically to describe someone suffering in a way that makes you feel sorry for them, but it is much more commonly used as a harsh insult or a way to dismiss something as completely incompetent or worthless. Be careful with this one, as it almost always carries a negative, judgmental weight.
"pathetic" in conversation
Critiquing a bad performance
Did you see the team play last night?
Did you see the team play last night?
It was honestly pathetic. They didn't even try.
It was honestly pathetic. They didn't even try.
Used here to express strong disappointment and contempt for a lack of effort.
Observing a small act of kindness
He tried to fix the broken toy with just a piece of tape.
He tried to fix the broken toy with just a piece of tape.
That's a pathetic attempt, but at least his heart is in the right place.
That's a pathetic attempt, but at least his heart is in the right place.
Used to describe an inadequate solution while acknowledging the person's intent.
"pathetic" in a sentence
The puppy looked pathetic shivering in the rain.
The puppy looked pathetic shivering in the rain.
I cannot believe you missed the deadline; your excuse is absolutely pathetic.
I cannot believe you missed the deadline; your excuse is absolutely pathetic.
Despite his pathetic attempts to negotiate, the board refused to reconsider the contract.
Despite his pathetic attempts to negotiate, the board refused to reconsider the contract.
