Word
pathetically
Phoneticspa·thet·i·cal·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/pəˈθɛtɪkəɫi/
UK/pɐθˈɛtɪkli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a weak or sad way that makes people feel sorry for you or disappointed in you.
adv. in a manner arousing pity, contempt, or disappointment through inadequacy or weakness; also used as an intensifier meaning to a woefully inadequate degree.
Examples
“He smiles pathetically when he wants extra cake.”
“The team plays pathetically after the break, missing easy passes and losing every challenge.”
“The old shelter dog waits pathetically by the door each evening, its hope undimmed by years of indifference.”
Examples
simple
“He smiles pathetically when he wants extra cake.”
contextual
“The team plays pathetically after the break, missing easy passes and losing every challenge.”
complex
“The old shelter dog waits pathetically by the door each evening, its hope undimmed by years of indifference.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “pathetically” in context.
Verb
01. beg pathetically
“He begged pathetically for another chance to keep his job.”
verb + adverb
02. cry pathetically
“The lost puppy cried pathetically outside the shop all night.”
verb + adverb
03. fail pathetically
“Our team failed pathetically in the final and lost 5-0.”
verb + adverb
Adjective
04. pathetically grateful
“She was pathetically grateful for any kind word after the divorce.”
adverb + adjective
05. pathetically low
“Voter turnout in the district was pathetically low this year.”
adverb + adjective
06. pathetically small
“They survive on a pathetically small salary that barely covers rent.”
adverb + adjective
07. pathetically thin
“The rescue dog was pathetically thin when they found it.”
adverb + adjective
08. pathetically weak
“After the flu, he felt pathetically weak and could barely climb the stairs.”
adverb + adjective
09. a pathetically weak excuse
“He gave a pathetically weak excuse for missing the exam.”
10. beg pathetically for mercy
“The defeated soldier begged pathetically for mercy.”
11. cry pathetically for help
“The kitten cried pathetically for help from the rooftop.”
12. fall pathetically short of
“The reforms fell pathetically short of what voters had expected.”
Usage
Typically placed after the verb it modifies or at the end of the clause.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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