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Showing results for pitiful. Search instead for pitifulle.
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.

"When I see it, it's quite pitiful," said Yin, wiping away a tear.

From Barron's • Jan. 14, 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

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

Do we really want to incentivize vigilantes like YouTube copycat Skeet Hansen, seen in the documentary machinating and uploading his own stakeouts, pitiful farces of justice with the catchphrase “You’ve just been Skeeted”?

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 26, 2025

If the stuff caught fire, she didn’t even have one of our pitiful little shields.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam

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