pathetically meager

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pathetically meager" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is disappointingly small or insufficient, often evoking a sense of pity or sympathy. Example: "The donations received for the charity event were pathetically meager, falling far short of our expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The Ministry of Culture set the 1990 budget for the museum at a pathetically meager $1.5 million.

The New York Times - Arts

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

ISHERWOOD "Pathetically exhibitionistic creeps"?

The New York Times

"You dote pathetically".

Independent

I mutter pathetically.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Sorry," I say, pathetically.

The Guardian

The results were meager.

The New York Times

I ask pathetically.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Appetites were meager.

The New York Times

That looks meager.

The New York Times

How pathetically wrong they are.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pathetically meager" to express not only a small quantity but also a sense of disappointment, inadequacy, or even pity. The adverb "pathetically" adds an emotional layer to the adjective "meager", making the phrase suitable for contexts where both the lack and the associated emotional response are relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "pathetically meager" in highly formal or professional writing where a more neutral tone is preferred. Consider alternatives like "insufficient" or "inadequate" to maintain a professional distance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pathetically meager" functions as a descriptive expression, combining an adverb modifying an adjective. According to Ludwig AI, it correctly describes something that is disappointingly small or insufficient. The adverb "pathetically" intensifies the adjective "meager", conveying a sense of inadequacy and disappointment.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pathetically meager" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something that is disappointingly small or insufficient. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and appropriate to use, but our analysis indicates the phrase occurs rarely. It is most often found in news and media contexts, where it serves to express a negative evaluation of quantity or scale. While effective in conveying disappointment, writers should consider the tone and audience when deciding whether to use this phrase in formal writing. Alternatives such as "pitifully small" or "woefully inadequate" may be more appropriate in some situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pitifully small

Emphasizes the smallness of something, evoking a sense of pity.

woefully inadequate

Highlights the inadequacy of something, suggesting a significant deficiency.

lamentably insufficient

Indicates insufficiency with a tone of regret or disappointment.

tragically insufficient

Emphasizes the insufficiency and the unfortunate consequences it may lead to.

deplorably deficient

Implies a strong disapproval of the deficiency, suggesting it is unacceptable.

disappointingly little

Focuses on the disappointment caused by the small quantity or amount.

remarkably scarce

Highlights the scarcity of something, often unexpectedly so.

scant and pathetic

Reorders the original words to produce a new variation to convey the same sentiment.

meager to a fault

Meager is already part of the original phrase, this expresses how meager something is.

laughably small

Highlights the smallness of something in a dismissive way.

FAQs

What does "pathetically meager" mean?

The phrase "pathetically meager" describes something that is disappointingly small or insufficient, often evoking a sense of pity or sympathy. The "pathetically" intensifies the sense of inadequacy conveyed by "meager".

How can I use "pathetically meager" in a sentence?

You can use "pathetically meager" to describe resources, efforts, or results that are both small and disappointing. For example, "The donations received for the charity were "pathetically meager"."

What are some alternatives to "pathetically meager"?

Alternatives include "pitifully small", "woefully inadequate", or "lamentably insufficient", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "pathetically meager" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "pathetically meager" may be too emotionally charged for some formal contexts. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "insufficient" or "inadequate" in professional or academic writing.