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Showing results for pitiful. Search instead for pitil.
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

"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

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

I snickered, remembering the pitiful look on Tamika’s face after her failed spy attempt.

From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas

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