pathological

adjective

path·​o·​log·​i·​cal ˌpa-thə-ˈlä-ji-kəl 

variants or less commonly pathologic

ˌpa-thə-ˈlä-jik 

1

: of or relating to pathology

pathological research

A pathological examination led to the diagnosis.

2

: altered or caused by disease

pathological changes in the body

also : indicative of disease

pathological symptoms

3

: being such to a degree that is extreme, excessive, or markedly abnormal

a pathological liar

pathological fear

pathologically

ˌpa-thə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of pathological in a Sentence

He is a pathological liar.

She has a pathological fear of heights.

pathological changes in the body

Recent Examples on the Web

The only thing that holds him back in early seasons is his pathological need for affection and public approval. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 May 2026

These follicles are not considered true pathological cysts. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 12 May 2026

Parenthood has demanded a level of commitment and self-sacrifice from me that, in any other context, would be considered pathological. — Gillian Telling, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026

The picture is rumored to be portraying Altman as a pathological liar and Musk (Ike Barinholtz) as highly antipathetic. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 21 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin pathologicus "of the study of the passions, of the study of diseases" (borrowed from Greek pathologikós, from patho- patho- + -logikos, from -logia -logy + -ikos -ic entry 1) + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for pathological

• astrological
• biological
• christological
• chronological
• cosmological
• cytological
• dialogical
• ecological
• ethnological
• ethological
• geological
• histological

Kids Definition

pathological

adjective

patho·​log·​i·​cal

ˌpath-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl

variants also pathologic

-ik

1

: of or relating to pathology

2

: changed or caused by disease

3

: being such to a degree that is extreme, excessive, or abnormal

a pathological liar

pathologically

-i-k(ə-)lē

adverb

Medical Definition

pathological

adjective

patho·​log·​i·​cal ˌpath-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl 

variants also pathologic

-ik 

1

: of or relating to pathology

a pathological laboratory

2

: altered or caused by disease

pathological tissue

also : indicative of disease

pathological lesions

pathologically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb