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Showing results for pitiful. Search instead for pitifuln.
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.

They only have one Slam in 15 years, a pitiful total given the resources they have.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

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

From Barron's • Jan. 14, 2026

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

"Such a pitiful number of films from the past year have been made by women."

From BBC • Nov. 5, 2025

Chip asked, and this, too, came out sounding pitiful.

From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

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