adj
pitiable
PIH-tee-uh-buhl
Pitiable (adj) means deserving or arousing pity. Example: “The stray dog was in a pitiable state after the storm.”
adj
1
Deserving or arousing pity.
"The stray dog was in a pitiable state after the storm."
How to use pitiable
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSo sad or weak that it makes you feel sorry for it.
Common mistake
"Pitiable" and "pitiful" overlap heavily in meaning, though "pitiful" more often carries a tone of contempt (a pitiful excuse) while "pitiable" leans toward genuine sympathy.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more pitiable
- Superlative
- most pitiable
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The stray dog was in a _____ state after the storm.
Etymology
From Old French piteable, from pity + -able.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for pitiable
See all rhymes for pitiable →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of pitiable?
"pitiable" (adj) means deserving or arousing pity.
What is another word for pitiable?
Other words for "pitiable" include miserable, poor, pitiful, hapless, pathetic, wretched.
What is the opposite of pitiable?
The opposite of "pitiable" is fortunate.
How do you use pitiable in a sentence?
Example: "The stray dog was in a pitiable state after the storm."
