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

These are people who lack empathy, are narcissists with a grandiose view of themselves, are pathological liars, have a constant need for stimulation, are manipulative, fail to feel remorse or guilt, and refuse to take responsibility for anything. —Jens Ludwig, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025

But the boast was significant for confirming a pathological mentality that imperils national and world stability. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 12 Apr. 2025

Over the years, Musk has made himself into a contemporary saint of overwork, laboring with a ferocity at once stunning and pathological. —Charlie Tyson, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2025

The case is in the hands of the OIJ who are waiting on the results of pathological exams. —Ben Morse, CNN, 25 Mar. 2025

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

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

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