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
Yoo is a perfect vehicle for this satire, as his ultimate act of violence is driven not by necessity but rather a pathological need to maintain an image of success.
—
Robert Lang, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2026
Because the retina is an extension of the central nervous system, these changes mirror pathological processes occurring in the brain.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 Jan. 2026
As large language models are increasingly utilized in financial decision-making domains such as asset management and commodity trading, understanding their potential for pathological decision-making has gained practical significance.
—Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
All of which brings us to the last week of this pathological year and fresh hope for the new one.
—Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pathological
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Robert Lang, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2026
Because the retina is an extension of the central nervous system, these changes mirror pathological processes occurring in the brain.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 Jan. 2026
As large language models are increasingly utilized in financial decision-making domains such as asset management and commodity trading, understanding their potential for pathological decision-making has gained practical significance.
—Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
All of which brings us to the last week of this pathological year and fresh hope for the new one.
—Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 29 Dec. 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 8 Jan. 2026.
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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