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Definitions

pitiable

[pit-ee-uh-buhl] / ˈpɪt i ə bəl /
ADJECTIVE
pitiful
Synonyms
WEAK
abject affecting afflicted arousing base beggarly cheap cheerless comfortless commiserative compassionate contemptible deplorable despicable dismal distressed distressing grievous heartbreaking heartrending inadequate insignificant joyless lamentable low mean miserable mournful moving paltry pathetic piteous poor rueful ruthful sad scurvy shabby sorrowful sorry stirring suffering tearful touching vile woeful worthless wretched

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.

Nobody cheers for Goneril and Regan as they wreak destruction on their pitiable father.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 14, 2026

As his tweet demonstrates, it's often too pitiable to warrant a word as powerful as "toxic."

From Salon • Sep. 12, 2024

So, let’s quickly run down some of the most hypocritical actors in this whole display, and check out their pitiable explanations.

From Slate • Apr. 27, 2024

And that’s despite a pitiable pass rush that has snared seven sacks in seven games, 127th in the nation.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 22, 2023

There must have been something desperate or pitiable in my voice, for he slung his coat back over the partition.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee

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