very pathetic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very pathetic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a strong feeling of pity or disappointment regarding a situation or behavior. Example: "His excuses for not showing up were very pathetic and lacked any credibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"It was very pathetic, very pathetic indeed".

The New York Times

How very convenient — and how very pathetic.

The New York Times

Very pathetic to be a newsperson.

The New Yorker

This is because I'm very pathetic at night.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"He looks gray and grand, with something very pathetic about him," Longfellow recorded in his journal.

The New Yorker

To watch: Videos of Osama bin Laden obtained in the raid of his compound and released by the Pentagon this weekend, which portray the Al Qaeda leader as "very pathetic in a way," Lawrence Wright said in an interview.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Real Pathetic".

The New York Times

He was described by Justice Anthony Whealy as a "very sad, pathetic figure" with a violent background.

Vice

First, Amtrak's wifi is pathetic — very slow.

The New York Times

I think that would be a very sad, rather pathetic reason for wanting to be speaker.

The New York Times

It was sharp, very funny, sad, pathetic, lifelike, yet slightly surreal.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very pathetic" to express a strong sense of disappointment or pity. Consider your audience and the context to ensure it aligns with your intended tone.

Common error

Avoid using "very pathetic" in highly formal or professional writing where a more nuanced or sophisticated adjective might be more appropriate. Opt for alternatives like "deeply lamentable" or "thoroughly inadequate" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very pathetic" functions as a compound adjective, modifying a noun to express a strong feeling of inadequacy, disappointment, or pity. Ludwig examples show its usage in describing situations, behaviors, or even objects that are deemed highly unsatisfactory.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very pathetic" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to convey a strong sense of disappointment, inadequacy, or pity. As Ludwig AI points out, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, and can be used to express negative evaluations emphatically. While it's advisable to avoid overuse in highly formal settings, understanding its function and purpose allows for effective communication. Consider alternatives like "extremely pitiful" or "deeply lamentable" to refine your tone as needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely pitiful

Emphasizes the degree of pity elicited, focusing on the emotional response.

utterly wretched

Highlights the miserable and unfortunate state of something or someone.

deeply lamentable

Focuses on the regrettable and sorrowful nature of the situation.

thoroughly inadequate

Emphasizes the lack of quality or sufficiency to a great extent.

quite deplorable

Indicates strong disapproval and condemnation.

exceptionally sad

Focuses on the high degree of sadness associated with something.

remarkably poor

Highlights the substandard quality or condition in a noticeable way.

incredibly disappointing

Stresses the intensity of the disappointment felt.

terribly unfortunate

Focuses on the bad luck and adverse circumstances involved.

awfully uninspiring

Indicates a severe lack of motivation or enthusiasm.

FAQs

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

You can use "very pathetic" to describe something that is extremely inadequate, disappointing, or evokes strong feelings of pity. For example: "His excuses were "very pathetic"."

What's a good alternative to "very pathetic"?

Alternatives include "extremely pitiful", "utterly wretched", or "deeply lamentable". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "very pathetic" too informal for professional writing?

In some professional contexts, "very pathetic" might be considered too informal. Consider using a more formal alternative like "thoroughly inadequate" or "quite deplorable" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "pathetic" and "very pathetic"?

"Very pathetic" simply intensifies the meaning of "pathetic", indicating a stronger degree of inadequacy or pitiableness. It adds emphasis to the negative quality being described.