pitiful Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite inspiring mixed contempt and pity
    pitiable; pathetic.
    • their efforts were pathetic
    • pitiable lack of character
    • pitiful exhibition of cowardice
  2. adjective satellite bad; unfortunate
    distressing; sad; lamentable; deplorable; sorry.
    • my finances were in a deplorable state
    • a lamentable decision
    • her clothes were in sad shape
    • a sorry state of affairs
  3. adjective satellite deserving or inciting pity
    poor; wretched; pathetic; pitiable; piteous; misfortunate; miserable; hapless.
    • a hapless victim
    • miserable victims of war
    • the shabby room struck her as extraordinarily pathetic"- Galsworthy
    • piteous appeals for help
    • pitiable homeless children
    • a pitiful fate
    • Oh, you poor thing
    • his poor distorted limbs
    • a wretched life

WordNet

Pit"i*ful adjective
Definitions
  1. Full of pity; tender-hearted; compassionate; kind; merciful; sympathetic.
    The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. James v. 11.
  2. Piteous; lamentable; eliciting compassion.
    A thing, indeed, very pitiful and horrible. Spenser.
  3. To be pitied for littleness or meanness; miserable; paltry; contemptible; despicable.
    That's villainous, and shows a most pitiful ambition in the fool that uses it. Shak.
    Syn. -- Despicable; mean; paltry. See Contemptible. -- Pit"i*ful*ly, adv. -- Pit"i*ful*ness, n.

Webster 1913