Word Games Pro Dictionary

pitiful

adjective

inspiring mixed contempt and pity

Quick reference

Word Facts

Word length
7
Starts with
P
Ends with
L
Contains
IT
Scrabble score
12
Database source
OEWN 2025 Core

How it sounds

Pronunciation

ˈpɪt.ɪ.fl̩

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Audio Pronunciation

Audio pronunciation is unavailable for this word.

Meaning

Definitions

adjective

  1. inspiring mixed contempt and pity

    “their efforts were pathetic”

adjective

  1. deserving or inciting pity

    “a hapless victim”

adjective

  1. bad; unfortunate

    “my finances were in a deplorable state”

In context

Example Sentences

their efforts were pathetic
pitiable lack of character
pitiful exhibition of cowardice
a hapless victim
miserable victims of war
{'source': 'Galsworthy', 'text': 'the shabby room struck her as extraordinarily pathetic'}
piteous appeals for help
pitiable homeless children
my finances were in a deplorable state
a lamentable decision
her clothes were in sad shape
a sorry state of affairs

Similar words

Synonyms

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