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Showing results for pitiful. Search instead for pitifu.
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.

Unsurprisingly, War Secretary Warrior-Ethos-Man appeared on Fox News the next day to brag about this pitiful behavior, acting as if he’d won a wrestling match with a grizzly bear.

From Salon • Dec. 3, 2025

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

She also said the cemetery was left in a pitiful condition, with bottles and cans left lying around.

From BBC • Sep. 26, 2025

Menacing as Lockjaw can be chasing after Willa with a monomania that feels nearly Terminator-esque, he’s still as pitiful as hapless Pete.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 24, 2025

The voyageurs watched from a distance as the baby crawled in a circle, whimpering and pitiful.

From "The Birchbark House" by Louise Erdrich

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