pathetic

• Beschreibt etwas oder jemanden, der erbärmlich, kläglich oder armselig ist; drückt Mitleid oder Verachtung aus.

Describes something that is miserably inadequate or weak; often used to express pity or contempt.

1. Deserving pityB2formal

   Arousing feelings of pity, sympathy, or sadness due to suffering or weakness.

   Mitleid erregend

   • The homeless man's condition was truly pathetic.
   • She gave a pathetic cry for help.
   • The sight of the abandoned puppy was pathetic.

   Synonymeforlornmiserablemournfulmovingpiteouspitiablepitifulplaintivepoignantsadtouchingwretched

   Antonymeadmirablecommendablelaudable

2. Contemptibly inadequateB2informal

   So miserably inadequate or weak as to arouse both pity and scorn.

   Erbärmlich

   • His pathetic attempt at an apology only made things worse.
   • The team's performance was absolutely pathetic.
   • He made a pathetic excuse for being late.

   Synonymecontemptibledeplorablefeebleinadequatelamentablelaughablemiserablepaltrypitiablepitifulridiculoussorrywretched

   Antonymeadmirablecapableexcellentformidableimpressivestrong

3. Scornfully pitifulC1informal

   Inspiring a mixture of contempt and pity, often due to incompetence or weakness.

   Erbärmlich

   • The villain's pathetic whining annoyed everyone.
   • She looked at his pathetic efforts with disdain.
   • His pathetic behavior at the meeting embarrassed his colleagues.

   Synonymecontemptibledeplorabledespicablefeebleinadequatelamentablemiserablepiteouspitiablepitifulpoorsorrywoefulwretched

   Antonymeadmirableawe-inspiringcommendableformidableimpressivelaudablemajesticredoubtable