pathetic meaning and definition

PATHETIC adjective

Definition of pathetic (adjective)

1. deserving or inciting pity
   • "a hapless victim"; "miserable victims of war"; "the shabby room struck her as extraordinarily pathetic"- Galsworthy; "piteous appeals for help"; "pitiable homeless children"; "a pitiful fate"; "Oh, you poor thing"; "his poor distorted limbs"; "a wretched life"
   • synonyms: hapless, miserable, misfortunate, piteous, pitiable, pitiful, poor, wretched
2. inspiring mixed contempt and pity
   • "their efforts were pathetic"; "pitiable lack of character"; "pitiful exhibition of cowardice"
   • synonyms: pitiable, pitiful
3. inspiring scornful pity
   • "how silly an ardent and unsuccessful wooer can be especially if he is getting on in years"- Dashiell Hammett
   • synonyms: ridiculous, silly