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Showing results for pitiful. Search instead for pitifuln.
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.

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

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

Hegseth is the classic bully, hiding his insecurity by dominating those who are weaker or more vulnerable, and pretending that’s cool instead of pitiful.

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

"Such a pitiful number of films from the past year have been made by women."

From BBC • Nov. 5, 2025

Now they wear only the most pitiful clothing, and try to exchange little carvings and objects that they have made out of shell fragments and copper driving bands.

From "All Quiet on the Western Front: A Novel" by Erich Maria Remarque

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