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

Deserving or arousing pity.

"The stray dog was in a pitiable state after the storm."

How to use pitiable

Learner’s notes

In 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

pitiful →

Word forms

more pitiable comparative, most pitiable superlative

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Fill the gap

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The stray dog was in a _____ state after the storm.

Etymology

From Old French piteable, from pity + -able.

Origin: Old French

Rhymes for pitiable

able fable cable table viable liable stable tenable parable affable amiable notable

See all rhymes for pitiable →

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of pitiable?

"pitiable" (adj) means deserving or arousing pity.

How do you use pitiable in a sentence?

Example: "The stray dog was in a pitiable state after the storm."