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Showing results for pitiful. Search instead for pitif.
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

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

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

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

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

Such a pitiful little band of mourners, so bumbling without Mr. Birdsong or anybody else to tell us what to do.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns

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