Meaning & Definition of Pitiful in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: Evoking or deserving pity.

  Example Sentence: The abandoned puppy was a pitiful sight.

• Definition: Inadequate or of very low quality.

  Example Sentence: His pitiful performance shocked the audience.

• Definition: Expressing or conveying sympathy or sorrow.

  Example Sentence: She gave a pitiful look when she heard the news.

• Definition: Causing or feeling distress; wretched.

  Example Sentence: The pitiful state of the ruins left visitors saddened.

• Definition: Weak or feeble; lacking strength.

  Example Sentence: His pitiful attempt to lift the weight failed.

Etymology

Origin: From Middle English pitifull, from Old French pitéf (same meaning), from Latin pietas 'piety, compassion'.

Synonyms

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.

Translations

• Spanish: lamentable

• French: pitoyable

• German: armselig

• Russian: жалкий

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 of pitiful

• Meaning: Sad or pathetic situation.

  Example Sentence: Watching him play alone was just pitiful.

• Meaning: Feeling sorry for someone in a mocking manner.

  Example Sentence: She looked at his attempts to cook and said, 'How pitiful!'.