The difference between Miserable and Pathetic

When used as adjectives, miserable means in a state of misery: very sad, ill, or poor, whereas pathetic means arousing pity, sympathy, or compassion.


Miserable is also noun with the meaning: a miserable person.

check bellow for the other definitions of Miserable and Pathetic

  1. Miserable as an adjective:

    In a state of misery: very sad, ill, or poor.

  2. Miserable as an adjective:

    Very bad (at something); unskilled, incompetent.

    Examples:

    "He's good at some sports, like tennis, but he's just miserable at football."

  3. Miserable as an adjective:

    Wretched; worthless; mean.

    Examples:

    "a miserable sinner"

  4. Miserable as an adjective (obsolete):

    Causing unhappiness or misery.

  5. Miserable as an adjective (obsolete):

    Avaricious; niggardly; miserly.

    Examples:

    "rfquotek Hooker"

  1. Miserable as a noun:

    A miserable person; a wretch.

  1. Pathetic as an adjective:

    Arousing pity, sympathy, or compassion.

    Examples:

    "The child’s pathetic pleas for forgiveness stirred the young man’s heart."

  2. Pathetic as an adjective:

    Arousing scornful pity or contempt, often due to miserable inadequacy.

    Examples:

    "You can't even run two miles? That’s pathetic."

    "You're almost 26 years old and you still can't hold a real job? That's pathetic."

  3. Pathetic as an adjective (obsolete):

    Expressing or showing anger; passionate.

  4. Pathetic as an adjective (anatomy):

    Trochlear.