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

"How pitiful," he said, lowering a thermometer into the water.

From Barron's • Feb. 15, 2026

Whatever it was on his mind, it can't have been pretty, like Amorim's answer as the United head coach thrashed about looking to explain another pitiful display in a season he promised would be better.

From BBC • Sep. 14, 2025

Single women are confronted with it most frequently, but even people in relationships may experience some stranger’s pitiful regard while dining alone in public.

From Salon • Aug. 3, 2025

Pong's schooling at Namwon was fairly pitiful, but one lesson was drilled into the prison children over and over again: the greatest danger in the world was fire.

From "A Wish in the Dark" by Christina Soontornvat

Vocabulary lists containing pitiful

List 12

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Crash

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Commonly Confused Words, List 2

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