Pitiful
/ˈpɪtɪfəl/
Meaning & Definition
adjective
Deserving or arousing pity; sad, pathetic.
The abandoned puppy looked so pitiful that everyone passed by felt compelled to help.
Inferior or inadequate; worthy of scorn.
His pitiful attempt at humor fell flat, leaving the audience in silence.
Lamentably inadequate or insufficient.
The pitiful results of his effort did not meet the standards he had set for himself.
Etymology
From Middle English pitifull, from Old French pitéf (same meaning), from Latin pietas 'piety, compassion'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
pitiful excuse
An inadequate or feeble attempt to justify something.
pitifully small
Describing something that is insignificantly small.
a pitiful state
Indicating a situation that evokes sympathy due to its poor condition.
Related Words
pity
The feeling of sorrow and compassion for someone else's misfortune.
mercy
Compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.
commiserate
To express or feel sympathy or pity.
Slang Meanings
Sad or pathetic situation.
Watching him play alone was just pitiful.
Feeling sorry for someone in a mocking manner.
She looked at his attempts to cook and said, 'How pitiful!'.