pathetic
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
With this bizarre turn, Mr. Noonan renders the character such a pathetic figure that the remainder of the show leaves us disengaged—and disbelieving.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026
One former Royal Navy commander has called the lack of action "pathetic".
From BBC • May 12, 2026
But Maria said the government's efforts to pull Russia out of its demographic rut were "pathetic".
From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026
This statement wasn’t too pathetic on its face, but it came after a question about Joe Kent, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center who resigned in protest of the war on March 17.
From Salon • Mar. 23, 2026
“First you’re pathetic because you spied on her. Then you’re pathetic because she saw you spy on her. Who was the alpha of this little catastrophe?”
From "City Spies" by James Ponti
Vocabulary lists containing pathetic
Common Senses: Path ("Feeling")
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The Watsons Go to Birmingham
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Ghost Boys
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