Pitiable

/ˈpɪtiəbəl/

Meaning & Definition

adjective
Deserving or arousing pity; sad or pathetic.
The pitiable condition of the abandoned animals moved the volunteers to take action.
Worthy of compassion or sympathy due to suffering or lack.
His pitiable attempts to win her back were met with indifference.
In a state that elicits sorrow or regret; deserving of pity.
She looked at the pitiable sight of the old man struggling to find food.
Regrettably inadequate or pathetic.
The team's performance was so pitiable that they were eliminated from the tournament.

Etymology

from Middle English, from Old French 'pitiable', from 'pitie' meaning pity.

Common Phrases and Expressions

in a pitiable state
In a condition that evokes pity.
pitiable excuse
An excuse that is so inadequate that it elicits sympathy.

Related Words

pity
The feeling of sorrow and compassion caused by the suffering of others.
pitiful
Evoking pity, often due to being inadequate or miserable.

Slang Meanings

A hot mess
She was a hot mess after the breakup, truly pitiable.
Trainwreck
The way he handled the presentation was a total trainwreck, it was pitiable.