The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word PITEOUS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Sunday Telegraph
P
I
T
E
O
U
S
More clues leading to the result PITEOUS
- Hapless and holy, the husband being ditched needing shelter
- Woeful poet I edited, American
- Devout accepting empty temple? That’s pathetic
- Deserving sympathy, investigator prepared to sue
- In poor condition, we’re heard to ask for sympathy
- From Spain, the moguls frequently get moving
- In a wretched state, we’re heard to demand sympathy
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "That’s pathetic" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case that’s pathetic = piteous.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does PITEOUS mean?
PITEOUS adjective- Provoking pity, compassion, or sympathy.
- Showing devotion to God.
- Showing compassion.
- Of little importance or value.