Synonyms for
Pitiful
Definition
causing or deserving of pity; pathetic; sorrowful
Synonyms & similar words
piteous
pathetic
sad
poor
wretched
pitiable
distressing
lamentable
sorry
hapless
deplorable
miserable
misfortunate
miserable
pathetic
woeful
wretched
heartbreaking
sad
pitying
lamentable
pitiable
sorrowful
compassionate
sorry
deplorable
unfortunate
regrettable
distressing
heartrending
tragic
dismal
melancholy
Synonyms by register
Antonyms
Common collocations
- pitiful sight
- pitiful state
- pitiful excuse
- pitiful attempt
- pitiful condition
- pitiful display
- pitifully small
Word family
Usage note
Often used to describe something that evokes sadness or contempt due to its inadequacy or weakness. It carries a negative connotation.
Compare "pitiful" with another word →
Example sentences
- The pitiful sight of the homeless man made me want to help him.
- It's pitiful to see how some people treat animals.
- She gave a pitiful excuse for not finishing her homework.
- The team's pitiful performance made the fans lose hope.
- The old, worn-out car was a pitiful sight.
Quotes
It is pitiful to go to bed rich and wake up poor. -O. Henry
Pitiful is the person who is afraid of taking risks. Perhaps this person will never be disappointed or disillusioned; perhaps she won't suffer the way people do when they have a dream to follow. But when that person looks back - and at some point everyone looks back - she will hear her heart saying, 'What have you done with the miracles that God planted in your days? What have you done with the talents God bestowed on you?' -Paulo Coelho
It is pitiful to be a slave to circumstances and fellow men. -W. Somerset Maugham