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.

It was, Greene observed, “a very pitiful army to trust the Liberties of America upon.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 29, 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

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

From Barron's • Feb. 15, 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

Even if I’d felt less tired, I couldn’t have chased a girl with such a pitiful voice and such haunting eyes.

From "The Bridge Home" by Padma Venkatraman

Vocabulary lists containing pitiful

List 12

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Commonly Confused Words, List 2

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Crash

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!