pathetically lacking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pathetically lacking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is severely deficient or inadequate in a way that evokes pity or disappointment. Example: "The report was pathetically lacking in detail, leaving many questions unanswered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

When it is in the ascendant, I am pathetically lacking and without friends because I am unlikable, unlovable and lacking in merit.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Our generation was pathetically educated, just pathetic beyond imagination.

The New Yorker

Asides from the top-set anxieties of primary school and my inert lack of ability at sports, life as a pre-pubescent was almost pathetically stress-free, and I had plenty of free time in which to embrace the joys of my new gray brick embellished by the fact that I was the only one of my friends not obsessed with the Sega Game Gear, then (erroneously) considered the hipper machine.

Vice

So it was a shock to discover that I was the ultimate cliched Little Englander – whingeing about lack of cupboards, scowling at dripping showerheads no one did anything about and (deeper, much deeper) pathetically longing for the security and permanence of my own four walls.

The Guardian - Opinion

"You dote pathetically".

Independent

ISHERWOOD "Pathetically exhibitionistic creeps"?

The New York Times

I mutter pathetically.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Sorry," I say, pathetically.

The Guardian

I ask pathetically.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

How pathetically wrong they are.

Independent

It is improving, pathetically slowly.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pathetically lacking", ensure the context warrants the strong emotional tone. It's suitable for expressing disappointment or pity regarding a severe deficiency.

Common error

Avoid using "pathetically lacking" in objective or neutral descriptions. Its emotive nature can introduce unintended bias or undermine credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pathetically lacking" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, emphasizing a severe deficiency or inadequacy. As confirmed by Ludwig, it expresses a strong negative evaluation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pathetically lacking" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that denotes a severe deficiency or inadequacy, often evoking pity or disappointment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While primarily found in News & Media contexts, its strong emotional tone suggests cautious use in formal settings. Alternatives like "woefully inadequate" or "tragically deficient" may be more appropriate in neutral or objective writing. When using the phrase, consider its impact and ensure its emotive nature aligns with your intended message. The single example shows that the phrase is present and mostly used in the News & Media context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

woefully inadequate

Emphasizes the severe inadequacy of something.

tragically deficient

Highlights the unfortunate and severe lack of something.

deplorably insufficient

Stresses the regrettable and unacceptable insufficiency.

pitifully inadequate

Focuses on the pitiable degree of inadequacy.

sadly lacking

Indicates a regrettable absence or deficiency.

abysmally poor

Highlights the extremely low quality or standard.

lamentably short

Emphasizes the regrettable shortness or lack.

desperately wanting

Indicates a strong need for something that is missing.

remarkably scarce

Highlights the surprisingly low availability of something.

incredibly sparse

Emphasizes the extremely thin or scattered presence of something.

FAQs

What does "pathetically lacking" mean?

The phrase "pathetically lacking" describes something that is severely deficient or inadequate in a way that evokes pity or disappointment.

How to use "pathetically lacking" in a sentence?

You can use "pathetically lacking" to emphasize a significant deficiency, as in, "The data was "pathetically lacking" in supporting evidence."

What can I say instead of "pathetically lacking"?

Alternatives to "pathetically lacking" include "woefully inadequate", "tragically deficient", or "pitifully inadequate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "pathetically lacking" a formal phrase?

While grammatically correct, "pathetically lacking" carries a strong emotional tone. It's generally more appropriate for informal or persuasive writing than for strictly formal or academic contexts.