Entry Word: pathetic

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 deserving of oneʼs pity <the plight of the homeless family was quite pathetic>

Synonyms heartbreaking, heartrending, miserable, piteous, pitiable, pitiful, poor, rueful, sorry, wretched

Related Words deplorable, lamentable, regrettable; emotional, impressive, inspiring; affecting, moving, poignant, stirring, touching; awful, horrible, terrible; distressing, disturbing, upsetting; grievous, sad, sorrowful, woeful

Near Antonyms unimpressive, uninspiring

2 causing unhappiness <a pathetic story that made her cry> — see sad 2