The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word PATHETIC
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
P
A
T
H
E
T
I
C
More clues leading to the result PATHETIC
- Feeble way to refer to reversing
- Feeble course I must enter with the others
- Poor way to get praise rejected
- A tip circulated about the clubs being dismal
- Touching a pet, itch terribly
- Sad film about a crime in which female is eliminated
- Inadequate jerk going after film pioneer
- Pitiful way to get quote set up!
- Very poor walkway state getting turned round
- Inadequate way name gets recalled
Buddy explains!
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 PATHETIC mean?
PATHETIC adjective- Arousing pity, sympathy, or compassion.
- Arousing scornful pity or contempt, often due to miserable inadequacy.
- Expressing or showing anger; passionate.
- Trochlear.