1. in a way that arouses pity or sadness
2. in a way that is inadequate or disappointing
Usage: informal

Examples

• The injured bird fluttered pathetically on the ground.
• He looked pathetically thin after his illness.
• She performed pathetically on the exam, scoring only 30%.
• The team played pathetically in the championship game.
• The old dog whimpered pathetically at the door.
• His attempt at cooking was pathetically unsuccessful.
• The flowers drooped pathetically in the heat.