pathetic

Adjective

• inspiring scornful pity
  • how silly an ardent and unsuccessful wooer can be especially if he is getting on in years- Dashiell Hammett
    

• inspiring mixed contempt and pity
  • their efforts were pathetic
    
  • pitiable lack of character
    
  • pitiful exhibition of cowardice
    

• 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 distorted limbs
    
  • a wretched life
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  ridiculous , silly , pitiable , pitiful , hapless , miserable , misfortunate , piteous , poor , wretched