1. causing feelings of pity or sadness
2. extremely inadequate or unsuccessful; deserving contempt
Usage: informal

Examples

• The abandoned puppy looked pathetic in the rain.
• His pathetic attempt at cooking resulted in burnt toast.
• The team’s pathetic performance disappointed their fans.
• She gave a pathetic excuse for being late again.
• The pathetic sight of the homeless man moved her to tears.
• His pathetic salary barely covered his basic expenses.
• The movie’s pathetic plot made everyone leave early.