What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pathetic
Example
The team's performance was pathetic, losing by a large margin. [pathetic: adjective]
Example
It's pathetic that he can't even tie his own shoes at his age. [pathetic: adjective]
pitiful
Example
The pitiful sight of the homeless man sleeping on the street corner broke my heart. [pitiful: adjective]
Example
It's pitiful how little she knows about the world outside her own bubble. [pitiful: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pathetic is more commonly used than pitiful in everyday language. However, both words are less common in casual conversation and more likely to be used in formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pathetic and pitiful?
Both pathetic and pitiful are considered formal words and may not be appropriate for casual conversation. However, pathetic is generally more negative and may be considered more informal or even offensive in certain contexts.
