what is mean pathetic
Full Definition of PATHETIC. 1. : having a capacity to move one to either compassionate or contemptuous pity. 2. : marked by sorrow or melancholy: sad. 3. 4. â paÂ·thetÂ·iÂ·cal \-ti-kÉl\ adjective. â paÂ·thetÂ·iÂ·calÂ·ly \-ti-k(É-)lÄ\ adverb.See pathetic defined for English-language learners. The team was pretty bad last year, but this year they're downright pathetic. 2  The story he told was a pathetic attempt to cover up a lie. 3  His car is a pathetic piece of junk.