adj
pitiful
PIHT-ih-fl
adj
1
So sad, weak, or inadequate that it arouses pity or contempt.
"The team put in a pitiful performance, losing 6-0."
"He offered a pitiful apology that satisfied no one."
How to Use Pitiful
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBad or weak enough to make people feel sorry for it — or, often, to look down on it.
Common mistake
Often used to criticize rather than express real sympathy, e.g. "a pitiful excuse."
Common pairings
a pitiful excuse
pitiful attempt
pitiful sight
Word Forms
pitifuller comparative, more pitiful comparative, pitifullest superlative, most pitiful superlative
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The team put in a _____ performance, losing 6-0.
Etymology
From Middle English pityful, formed from pity + -ful.