A hapless victim.
Miserable victims of war.
The shabby room struck her as extraordinarily pathetic.
Piteous appeals for help.
Pitiable homeless children.
A pitiful fate.
Oh, you poor thing.
His poor distorted limbs.
A wretched life.

Their efforts were pathetic.
Pitiable lack of character.
Pitiful exhibition of cowardice.

How silly an ardent and unsuccessful wooer can be especially if he is getting on in years.