Definitions

pitiful

[pit-i-fuhl] / ˈpɪt ɪ fəl /

ADJECTIVE

in bad shape; poor

Synonyms

STRONGEST

dismal distressing insignificant lamentable miserable paltry pathetic sad shabby sorry touching woeful wretched

WEAK

abject affecting afflicted arousing base beggarly cheap cheerless comfortless commiserative compassionate contemptible deplorable despicable distressed grievous heartbreaking heartrending inadequate joyless low mean mournful moving piteous pitiable scurvy sorrowful stirring suffering tearful vile worthless

Antonyms

STRONGEST

cheerful fortunate glad good happy hopeful important joyful lucky nice rich significant substantial wealthy

WEAK

excellent superb superior wonderful worthwhile

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Ms. Hoffman’s Desdemona has a pronounced, wide-eyed girlishness that makes her confusion at her husband’s suspicions and growing antagonism pitiful to watch.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

Now, not even 25 years later, the United States Department of Agriculture was forecasting a pitiful 12 million boxes of oranges, the least in more than 100 years, the worst year since last.

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

A pitiful 5-0 defeat at PSG - the heaviest in Classique history - made his exit inevitable.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

"When I see it, it's quite pitiful," said Yin, wiping away a tear.

From Barron's • Jan. 14, 2026

It was weird how responsible he felt for the other two: plaintive, pitiful, confused Chip; naïve, gung-ho, enthusiastic Katherine.

From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Vocabulary lists containing pitiful

List 12

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Commonly Confused Words, List 2

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Crash

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