definition of
pathetic

[1] #1 pathetic s. [hapless, miserable, misfortunate, piteous, pitiable, pitiful, poor, wretched] 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 d. wn

[2] #2 pathetic s. [pitiable, pitiful] inspiring mixed contempt and pity; "their efforts were pathetic"; "pitiable lack of character"; "pitiful exhibition of cowardice". wn

[3] #3 pathetic s. [ridiculous, silly] inspiring scornful pity; "how silly an ardent and unsuccessful wooer can be especially if he is getting on in years"- Dashiell Hammett. wn