pathetically
Americanadverb
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.
I almost feel bad for him trying so pathetically to defend such an execrable entity like the Iranian regime.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 22, 2026
This applies at the other end of the demographic scale as well: Americans have a pathetically low life expectancy for a developed country.
From Salon • Apr. 5, 2025
“We compare, I think, pathetically, to the greatest generation,” said Butler.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2024
These remarks often came in response to some pathetically softball questions from Lemon: “You are in charge of an incredible platform, Elon. How do you feel that’s going?”
From Slate • Mar. 19, 2024
The owl flopped about pathetically, its talons scratching the door, bashing its head in a panic.
From "Educated" by Tara Westover
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
