sad case
Object of pity
A sad case is someone deserving of pity or contempt—usually both.
The phrase implies the person's situation is pathetic, often self-inflicted: He's still living in his parents' basement at forty—what a sad case.
It can express genuine sympathy or dismissive judgment, depending on tone.
British usage sometimes shortens to just sad: That's a bit sad, mate.
Compassionate understanding of others
- compassionConcern for others' distress
- pitifulArousing sorrowful contempt
- patheticArousing scornful pity
- unfortunateDeserving of pity
pitiable · wretched · sorry · lamentable · commiseration · condolence · poor soul · hard-luck
Defeated competitor
- washoutComplete failure or cancellation
- lost causeEndeavor certain to fail
- flopComplete commercial failure
- has-beenFormer notable, now irrelevant
also-ran · deadbeat · ne'er-do-well · down-and-out · shipwreck · wreck · bust · no-hoper
Left behind completely
- forgottenNo longer recalled
- forsakenCompletely abandoned or discarded
- discardedGotten rid of
- derelictAbandoned or neglectful
cast-off · outcast · left behind · unwanted · rejected · throwaway · cast aside · written off
Process of declining quality
- downfallSudden loss of power
- ruinComplete destruction or collapse
- fall from graceLoss of status or reputation
- decayGradual organic breakdown
wasting away · rock bottom · spiral · disintegration · unraveling · descent · hitting bottom · collapse
sympathy
Compassionate understanding of others
- compassionConcern for others' distress
- pitifulArousing sorrowful contempt
- patheticArousing scornful pity
unfortunate · pitiable · wretched · sorry · lamentable · commiseration · condolence · poor soul · hard-luck · miserable
loser
Defeated competitor
- washoutComplete failure or cancellation
- lost causeEndeavor certain to fail
- flopComplete commercial failure
has-been · also-ran · deadbeat · ne'er-do-well · down-and-out · shipwreck · wreck · bust · no-hoper · train wreck
abandoned
Left behind completely
derelict · cast-off · outcast · left behind · unwanted · rejected · throwaway · cast aside · written off · overlooked
deterioration
Process of declining quality
- downfallSudden loss of power
- ruinComplete destruction or collapse
- fall from graceLoss of status or reputation
decay · wasting away · rock bottom · spiral · disintegration · unraveling · descent · hitting bottom · collapse
sad casesuccess story
Narrative of achievement
golden boy · winner · high flyer · rising star · golden girl
sad caseforce of nature
Irresistible power or person
dynamo · live wire · powerhouse · life of the party · free spirit
sad caselucky devil
Enviously blessed person
charmed life · lottery winner · golden child · fair-haired boy · lucky dog
sad, case, sadness, sadly, cases, sadder, saddest, cased, caseload