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PITIFUL

Pronunciation (US):

Dictionary entry overview: What does pitiful mean?

• PITIFUL (adjective)
The adjective PITIFUL has 3 senses:

1. inspiring mixed contempt and pity
2. bad; unfortunate
3. deserving or inciting pity

Familiarity information: PITIFUL used as an adjective is uncommon.

Dictionary entry details

• PITIFUL (adjective)

Sense 1

pitiful ^{[BACK TO TOP]}

Meaning:

Inspiring mixed contempt and pity

Synonyms:

pitiable; pitiful; pathetic

Context examples:

their efforts were pathetic / pitiable lack of character / pitiful exhibition of cowardice

Similar:

contemptible (deserving of contempt or scorn)

Sense 2

pitiful ^{[BACK TO TOP]}

Meaning:

Bad; unfortunate

Synonyms:

deplorable; lamentable; distressing; pitiful; sad; sorry

Context examples:

my finances were in a deplorable state / a lamentable decision / her clothes were in sad shape / a sorry state of affairs

Similar:

bad (having undesirable or negative qualities)

Sense 3

pitiful ^{[BACK TO TOP]}

Meaning:

Deserving or inciting pity

Synonyms:

piteous; pathetic; misfortunate; hapless; poor; miserable; pitiable; pitiful; wretched

Context examples:

a hapless victim / miserable victims of war / the shabby room struck her as extraordinarily pathetic / piteous appeals for help / pitiable homeless children / a pitiful fate / Oh, you poor thing / his poor distorted limbs / a wretched life

Similar:

unfortunate (not favored by fortune; marked or accompanied by or resulting in ill fortune)

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