pathetic weather

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pathetic weather" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to describe extremely bad or miserable weather conditions. Example: "We had planned a picnic, but the pathetic weather ruined our plans and we had to stay indoors all day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

More like pathetic weather.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In fact, I can remember exactly three useful things from my 14 years in state schools: pathetic fallacy is when the weather reflects the mood; magnesium is great fun to set alight; and, thanks to a catchy Mac DeMarco-esong song, how to ask a French person when their birthday is.

Vice

This technique is called pathetic fallacy where you use the weather to externalize how a character is feeling.

WikiHow

A forecast, meanwhile, is a kind of anti-pathetic fallacy: it insists that the weather is the product of natural forces, utterly unrelated to the goings on in our culture, our relationships, and our soul.

The New Yorker

In other words, environmental warrior Al Gore is responsible for the weather, as well as the pathetic wimpiness of Mark Kirk.

The New York Times

It is a variation of the pathetic fallacy (the view of Romantic poets that weather mirrors emotions) to suggest that rural tranquillity induces moral rectitude.

Independent

They died with their face to the foe and that pathetic inadequate @realDonaldTrump couldn't even defy the weather to pay his respects to The Fallen #hesnotfittorepresenthisgreatcountry.

Huffington Post

I'm not one of those brooding types who goes in for the pathetic fallacy of saying, "Ooh, I love cold, rainy weather", as if this somehow confirms the dank seriousness of their own inner life.

Independent

It was no fun for them to join a tiny knot of fans at the pathetic little opener, and then trudge out into the dank March weather before the Ewings and Mullins of the world had even warmed up.

The New York Times

How pathetic.

The New York Times

Pathetic you are, pathetic.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pathetic weather" to express not just bad weather, but weather that evokes a feeling of disappointment or helplessness due to its poor conditions.

Common error

While "pathetic weather" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid using it in formal or scientific writing where more objective and precise terms like "inclement weather" or "adverse weather conditions" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pathetic weather" functions as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "weather". It ascribes a quality of wretchedness or inadequacy to the weather conditions. Ludwig examples showcase its use in expressing disappointment with prevailing weather.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pathetic weather" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe weather conditions that are not just bad, but also disappointing or disheartening. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid and expressive way to convey negative feelings about the weather. Predominantly found in News & Media, it effectively communicates a sense of frustration or helplessness caused by poor weather. While acceptable in many contexts, avoid overuse in formal or scientific settings where more objective terms are preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awful weather

Emphasizes the severity and unpleasantness of the weather.

terrible weather

Highlights the extremely unpleasant nature of the weather.

dreadful weather

Focuses on the fear or apprehension caused by the weather.

lousy weather

A more informal way to describe bad weather.

rotten weather

Informal term for very unpleasant weather.

miserable weather

Focuses on the unhappiness the weather causes.

grim weather

Emphasizes the bleak and depressing nature of the weather.

atrocious weather

Stresses the shockingly bad quality of the weather.

unpleasant weather

A more general term for weather that is not enjoyable.

disagreeable weather

Similar to unpleasant weather but slightly more formal.

FAQs

How can I use "pathetic weather" in a sentence?

You can use "pathetic weather" to describe conditions that are not only bad but also disappointing or disheartening. For example, "The picnic was cancelled due to the pathetic weather."

What are some alternatives to "pathetic weather"?

Alternatives include "awful weather", "terrible weather", or "miserable weather", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to describe weather as "pathetic"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe weather that is particularly poor or disappointing. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is valid.

What is the difference between "pathetic weather" and "bad weather"?

"Pathetic weather" implies a stronger emotional response, suggesting the weather is not only bad but also evokes feelings of sadness or disappointment. "Bad weather" is a more neutral and general term.