pathological

adjective

path·​o·​log·​i·​cal ˌpa-thə-ˈlä-ji-kəl How to pronounce pathological (audio)
variants or less commonly pathologic
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 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Furthermore, that group also had a significantly lower number of osteoclasts, which are the cells responsible for bone loss in pathological conditions like AP. New Atlas, 22 June 2025 Imaging studies show that pathological gamblers and people with substance addictions share patterns of brain activity. Hana Kiros, The Atlantic, 5 June 2025 Lee will also have to find a way to heal his riven nation, whose people are utterly demoralized with bickering, partisanship, and a pathological inability to find consensus on any issue. Charlie Campbell, Time, 29 May 2025 But, psychologically, not all manifestations of narcissistic traits are inherently pathological. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for pathological

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of pathological was in 1656

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Cite this Entry

“Pathological.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pathological. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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 How to pronounce pathological (audio)
variants also pathologic
1
: of or relating to pathology
a pathological laboratory
2
: altered or caused by disease
pathological tissue
also : indicative of disease
pathological lesions
pathologically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on pathological

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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