Word Games Pro Dictionary

pathetic

adjective

Inspiring scornful pity

Quick reference

Word Facts

Word length
8
Starts with
P
Ends with
C
Contains
AT
Scrabble score
15
CEFR level
C1

How it sounds

Pronunciation

pəˈθɛtɪk

Listen

Audio Pronunciation

Meaning

Definitions

adjective

  1. Inspiring scornful pity

    “{'source': 'Dashiell Hammett', 'text': 'how silly an ardent and unsuccessful wooer can be especially if he is getting on in years'}”

adjective

  1. Inspiring mixed contempt and pity

    “Their efforts were pathetic”

adjective

  1. Deserving or inciting pity

    “A hapless victim”

In context

Example Sentences

{'source': 'Dashiell Hammett', 'text': 'how silly an ardent and unsuccessful wooer can be especially if he is getting on in years'}
Their efforts were pathetic
Pitiable lack of character
Pitiful exhibition of cowardice
A hapless victim
Miserable victims of war
{'source': 'Galsworthy', 'text': 'the shabby room struck her as extraordinarily pathetic'}
Piteous appeals for help
Pitiable homeless children

Similar words

Synonyms

Check yourself

Practise This Word

Three quick questions on this word. Nothing is recorded — practise it as often as you like.

Scroll to Top