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.

Ms. Hoffman’s Desdemona has a pronounced, wide-eyed girlishness that makes her confusion at her husband’s suspicions and growing antagonism pitiful to watch.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

Now, not even 25 years later, the United States Department of Agriculture was forecasting a pitiful 12 million boxes of oranges, the least in more than 100 years, the worst year since last.

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

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

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

"How pitiful," he said, lowering a thermometer into the water.

From Barron's • Feb. 15, 2026

At the end of the day we received a pitiful portion of watery soup.

From "The Boy on the Wooden Box" by Leon Leyson

Vocabulary lists containing pitiful

List 12

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Commonly Confused Words, List 2

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Crash

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