Synonyms of pathetic

pathetic

adjective

pə-ˈthe-tik 

1

as in pitiful

deserving of one's pity

the plight of the homeless family was quite pathetic

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pitiful
• poor
• miserable
• wretched
• sorry
• pitiable
• sad
• piteous
• horrible
• disturbing
• terrible
• impressive
• heartbreaking
• rueful
• deplorable
• lamentable
• regrettable
• awful
• emotional
• inspiring
• mournful
• heartrending
• poignant
• moving
• distressing
• touching
• stirring
• sorrowful
• affecting
• upsetting
• woeful
• grievous

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unimpressive
• uninspiring

2

as in sad

causing unhappiness

a pathetic story that made her cry

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sad
• depressing
• unfortunate
• mournful
• heartbreaking
• tearful
• melancholy
• disturbing
• dismal
• saddening
• dreary
• sorry
• teary
• drear
• deplorable
• lamentable
• heartrending
• woeful
• distressful
• distressing
• perturbing
• grievous
• poignant
• disquieting
• touching
• moving
• discouraging
• disheartening
• discomforting
• dispiriting
• affecting
• discomposing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• happy
• glad
• cheery
• inspiring
• delightful
• pleasant
• stimulating
• uplifting
• heartening
• stirring
• welcome
• satisfying
• agreeable
• enjoyable
• cheering
• pleasing
• pleasurable
• heartwarming
• exhilarating
• thrilling

3

as in miserable

deserving pitying scorn (as for inadequacy)

the crowd mercilessly booed the boxer's pathetic performance

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pitiful
• sad
• miserable
• lame
• disgusting
• wretched
• pitiable
• contemptible
• despicable
• sorry
• bad
• shameful
• poor
• disgraceful
• notorious
• deplorable
• worthless
• infamous
• odious
• hateful
• abominable
• disreputable
• ignominious
• stinking
• detestable
• discreditable
• abhorrent
• lousy
• shocking
• unworthy
• beastly
• inferior
• dishonorable
• sordid
• scandalous
• misbegotten
• unsavory
• meritless

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• decent
• admirable
• respectable
• outstanding
• worthy
• excellent
• notable
• commendable
• noteworthy
• meritorious
• creditable
• noticeable
• perfect
• laudable
• reputable
• praiseworthy
• presentable
• noble
• honorable
• redoubtable
• honest
• straight
• flawless

4

as in ridiculous

so foolish or pointless as to be worthy of scornful laughter

the pundit's latest book is another pathetic jumble of factual errors, half-baked political views, and baseless accusations

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ridiculous
• absurd
• silly
• stupid
• foolish
• comical
• laughable
• ludicrous
• dumb
• unreasonable
• farcical
• incredible
• irrational
• preposterous
• derisive
• risible
• derisory
• insane
• crazy
• idiotic
• fantastic
• for the birds
• mad
• moronic
• inane
• asinine
• imbecile
• fatuous
• cockamamy
• nonsensical
• unreal
• unbelievable
• brainless
• witless
• unwise
• inconceivable
• loony
• unrealistic
• simpleminded
• illogical
• jerky
• wacky
• nutty
• harebrained
• cuckoo
• daffy
• kooky
• half-baked
• weak-minded
• senseless
• daft
• half-witted
• balmy
• dotty
• screwball
• far-fetched
• cockeyed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• serious
• earnest
• solemn
• reasonable
• logical
• realistic
• rational
• credible
• conceivable
• sensible
• believable

Synonym Chooser

How is the word pathetic distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of pathetic are affecting, impressive, moving, poignant, and touching. While all these words mean "having the power to produce deep emotion," pathetic implies moving to pity or sometimes contempt.

pathetic attempts to justify misconduct

How are the words affecting and moving related as synonyms of pathetic?

Affecting is close to moving but most often suggests pathos.

an affecting deathbed reunion

When can impressive be used instead of pathetic?

In some situations, the words impressive and pathetic are roughly equivalent. However, impressive implies compelling attention, admiration, wonder, or conviction.

an impressive list of achievements

When is moving a more appropriate choice than pathetic?

The synonyms moving and pathetic are sometimes interchangeable, but moving may apply to any strong emotional effect including thrilling, agitating, saddening, or calling forth pity or sympathy.

a moving appeal for contributions

When could poignant be used to replace pathetic?

While in some cases nearly identical to pathetic, poignant applies to what keenly or sharply affects one's sensitivities.

a poignant documentary on the homeless

Where would touching be a reasonable alternative to pathetic?

Although the words touching and pathetic have much in common, touching implies arousing tenderness or compassion.

the touching innocence in a child's eyes

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of pathetic

If two out of 10 germinate, that’s pathetic. —Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026

Even more pathetic was when Maher, who initially had claimed to be a captain, discovered that Yasser’s imaginary rank outranked his own. —Elizabeth Tsurkov, The Atlantic, 11 Jan. 2026

Add the pathetic reality that Illinois is the very definition of unfriendliness for business development and job creation, and the only thing Pritzker and his accomplices can campaign on is the vilification of Trump, facts be damned. —Paul Miller, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026

There are solutions to Joe Biden’s failing and pathetic attempts to raise money to build a presidential library. —Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 20 Dec. 2025