Pronunciations (2)
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/ˈpɪt.ɪ.fl̩/
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ˈpɪt.ɪ.fl̩
Adjective
So appalling or sad that one feels or should feel sorry for it; eliciting pity.
- Examples
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Scotland has a pitiful climate.
Eliciting contempt.
Of an amount or number: very small.
- Examples
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A pitiful number of students bothered to turn up.
Feeling pity; merciful.
Usage- Archaic
- Synonyms
- Examples
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More examples (1)
Some ſay that Rauens foſter forlorne children, / The vvhilſt their ovvne birds famiſh in their neſts: / Oh be to me though thy hard hart ſay no, / Nothing ſo kinde but ſomething pittifull.
Straightway, he now goes on to make a full confession; whereupon the mariners became more and more appalled, but still are pitiful.
Adverb
In a pitiful manner; pitifully; piteously; pathetically.
Usage- Colloquial
- dialectal
- Examples
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‘She followed ’em, cryin’ pitiful, to the old boat on the Wall[.]’
Adjective
inspiring mixed contempt and pity
- Examples
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their efforts were pathetic
pitiable lack of character
More examples (1)
pitiful exhibition of cowardice
bad; unfortunate
- Examples
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my finances were in a deplorable state
a lamentable decision
More examples (2)
her clothes were in sad shape
a sorry state of affairs
deserving or inciting pity
- Examples
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a hapless victim
miserable victims of war
More examples (6)
piteous appeals for help
pitiable homeless children
a pitiful fate
Oh, you poor thing
his poor distorted limbs
a wretched life