Pathetic/pəˈθetɪk/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Empathy Trigger Used when someone seems so helpless or unfortunate it makes you feel sorry for them. The stray dog looked pathetic in the pouring rain. Pro Tip 2/3Not Disrespect 'Pathetic' can show sympathy without necessarily disrespecting someone's effort or situation. After the accident, his whimpers were quite pathetic. Pro Tip 3/3Observational Use Often used to describe appearance or expression that indicates suffering or sadness. His pathetic figure slumped in defeat was unforgettable.