pitiful meaning and definition

PITIFUL adjective

Definition of pitiful (adjective)

1. inspiring mixed contempt and pity
   • "their efforts were pathetic"; "pitiable lack of character"; "pitiful exhibition of cowardice"
   • synonyms: pathetic, pitiable
2. bad; unfortunate
   • "my finances were in a deplorable state"; "a lamentable decision"; "her clothes were in sad shape"; "a sorry state of affairs"
   • synonyms: deplorable, distressing, lamentable, sad, sorry
3. deserving or inciting pity
   • "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"
   • synonyms: hapless, miserable, misfortunate, pathetic, piteous, pitiable, poor, wretched