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.

I powered through and passed them on the last block—the most pitiful personal victory ever recorded—and finished in just under 10 hours.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 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

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

From Barron's • Jan. 14, 2026

"Some of my most pitiful memories of my 20s were being stuck living with people that I didn't like," recalls Dr Jay.

From BBC • Dec. 17, 2025

If the stuff caught fire, she didn’t even have one of our pitiful little shields.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam

Vocabulary lists containing pitiful

List 12

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Commonly Confused Words, List 2

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Crash

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