pathetic, insatiable, hapless, insidious, flimsy: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 9. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. pathetic · adjective/pəˈθɛtɪk/

   arousing pity or sadness

   The old, abandoned house stood as a pathetic reminder of the family's once joyous life.

   Synonyms: pitiful, deplorable, woeful

   Origin: from Greek 'pathetikos' meaning 'capable of feeling' or 'sensitive', related to 'pathos' meaning 'suffering' or 'emotion'.

2. insatiable · adjective/ɪnˈseɪʃəbl/

   impossible to satisfy or appease

   Her insatiable appetite for fame drove her to take on numerous high-profile projects.

   Synonyms: unquenchable, insatiate, ravenous

   Origin: from Latin 'insatiabilis', where 'in-' means 'not' and 'satiare' means 'to satisfy'

3. hapless · adjective/ˈhæpləs/

   unfortunate or unlucky

   The hapless traveler wandered for hours in the wrong direction, missing his flight entirely.

   Synonyms: unfortunate, unlucky, ill-fated

   Origin: The word 'hapless' originates from the Middle English 'hap' meaning 'luck', combined with the suffix '-less', indicating 'without'.

4. insidious · adjective/ɪnˈsɪd.i.əs/

   proceeding in a gradual and subtle way but with harmful effects

   The insidious effects of social media can lead to anxiety and depression among teenagers, often going unnoticed until it’s too late.

   Synonyms: subtle, treacherous, deceitful

   Origin: from Latin 'insidiosus', meaning 'deceitful', from 'insula' meaning 'island' (implying being ensnared/entrapment)

5. flimsy · adjective/ˈflɪm.zi/

   lacking strength or solidity; weak or easily damaged

   The flimsy cardboard box fell apart as soon as I lifted it.

   Synonyms: fragile, weak, insubstantial

   Origin: The word 'flimsy' comes from the early 18th century, possibly derived from the Scottish word 'flimsie', which means 'weak' or 'thin'.