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Showing results for pitiful. Search instead for pitifulle.
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.

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

From BBC • Mar. 31, 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

Hegseth is the classic bully, hiding his insecurity by dominating those who are weaker or more vulnerable, and pretending that’s cool instead of pitiful.

From Salon • Dec. 3, 2025

England last won an away Ashes series in 2010/11 and their recent record in Australia is pitiful, with 13 defeats and two draws in 15 Tests.

From Barron's • Nov. 16, 2025

I made another effort, a pitiful one, for the words I said were the last to bring comfort.

From "Nectar in a Sieve" by Kamala Markandaya

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.