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Definition pathetic in British English

pathetic adjective

adjective
/pəˈθetɪk/
1

useless or not effective in an annoying way

Example

That's the most pathetic excuse I've ever heard.

Example

He made a pathetic attempt to explain his failure.

2

if someone or something looks or sounds pathetic, you feel sympathy for them

Example

The child looked so small and pathetic.

Example

a pathetic story

Synonyms and related words
Definition pathetic in British English