miserable excuse

Translations
жалкая отговорка
She gave a miserable excuse for being late.
Она привела жалкую отговорку за опоздание.
Definitions
A phrase used to describe something or someone considered to be a very poor or inadequate example of what they are supposed to be; often used to express strong disapproval or disappointment.
Words
excuse

noun
оправдание
miserable

adjective
несчастный