adj
Uncommon
pitiful
PIHT-ih-fl
Pitiful (adj) means So sad, weak, or inadequate that it arouses pity or contempt. Example: “The team put in a pitiful performance, losing 6-0.”
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
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Word forms
- Comparative
- pitifuller, more pitiful
- Superlative
- pitifullest, most pitiful
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The team put in a _____ performance, losing 6-0.
Etymology
From Middle English pityful, formed from pity + -ful.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for pitiful
See all rhymes for pitiful →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of pitiful?
"pitiful" (adj) means so sad, weak, or inadequate that it arouses pity or contempt.
What is another word for pitiful?
Other words for "pitiful" include deplorable, compassionate, pathetic, piteous, pathetisad, pitiable.
What is the opposite of pitiful?
Opposites of "pitiful" include nonpathetic, un-pathetic, unpiteous, unpitiable, unrueful.
How do you use pitiful in a sentence?
Example: "The team put in a pitiful performance, losing 6-0."
