pathetic

4 definitions • 7 examples

causing feelings of sadness, sympathy, or sometimes lack of respect, especially because a person or an animal is suffering:

The refugees were a pathetic sight - starving, frightened and cold.

After the accident he became a pathetic figure, a shadow of his former self.

unsuccessful or showing no ability, effort, or bravery, so that people feel no respect :

a pathetic attempt/joke/excuse

Are you telling me you're frightened to speak to her? Don't be so pathetic!

causing feelings of sadness or sympathy:

I think it’s pathetic that only half of the eligible voters tend to vote.

unsuccessful, useless, or worthless:

a pathetic excuse

Bernie’s hitting was pretty pathetic!