pathological
adjective
path·o·log·i·cal
ˌpa-thə-ˈlä-ji-kəl 
variants
or less commonly pathologic
1
: of or relating to pathology
pathological research
A pathological examination led to the diagnosis.
2
: altered or caused by disease
pathological changes in the body
also
: indicative of disease
pathological symptoms
3
: being such to a degree that is extreme, excessive, or markedly abnormal
a pathological liar
pathological fear
Examples of pathological in a Sentence
He is a pathological liar.
She has a pathological fear of heights.
pathological changes in the body
Recent Examples on the Web
These are people who lack empathy, are narcissists with a grandiose view of themselves, are pathological liars, have a constant need for stimulation, are manipulative, fail to feel remorse or guilt, and refuse to take responsibility for anything.
—
Jens Ludwig, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
But the boast was significant for confirming a pathological mentality that imperils national and world stability.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 12 Apr. 2025
Over the years, Musk has made himself into a contemporary saint of overwork, laboring with a ferocity at once stunning and pathological.
—Charlie Tyson, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2025
The case is in the hands of the OIJ who are waiting on the results of pathological exams.
—Ben Morse, CNN, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pathological
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Jens Ludwig, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
But the boast was significant for confirming a pathological mentality that imperils national and world stability.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 12 Apr. 2025
Over the years, Musk has made himself into a contemporary saint of overwork, laboring with a ferocity at once stunning and pathological.
—Charlie Tyson, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2025
The case is in the hands of the OIJ who are waiting on the results of pathological exams.
—Ben Morse, CNN, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pathological
Cite this Entry
“Pathological.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pathological. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
pathological
adjective
patho·log·i·cal
ˌpath-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl
variants
also pathologic
1
: of or relating to pathology
a pathological laboratory
2
: altered or caused by disease
pathological tissue
also
: indicative of disease
pathological lesions
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