pitiful
word
/ˈpɪtəfəɫ/
PI-di-fuhl
/pˈɪtifəl/
PI-ti-fuhl
Definition
Very sad, weak, or deserving of pity; can also mean so poor or bad that it causes disappointment or contempt.
Usage & Nuances
Often used to describe someone or something in a sad or miserable state. Can sound harsh or even insulting if describing a person. Not usually used for genuinely tragic events, but more for situations that inspire a mix of pity and scorn.
Spanish: lamentable - digno de lástimaPortuguese (BR): lamentável - digno de penaPortuguese (PT): lamentável - digno de penaChinese (Simplified): 可怜的 - 令人怜悯的Chinese (Traditional): 可憐的 - 令人同情的Hindi: दयनीय - दया के योग्यArabic: مثير للشفقة - يدعو للشفقةBengali: দয়নীয় - করুণ - হতশ্রীRussian: жалкий - вызывающий жалостьJapanese: 哀れな - みじめなVietnamese: đáng thương - thảm hạiKorean: 불쌍한 - 한심한Turkish: acınacak - zavallı - içler acısıUrdu: قابلِ رحم - افسوسناکIndonesian: menyedihkan - menyedihkan sekali - memprihatinkan
Example Sentences
The lost dog looked pitiful in the rain.
basic
His excuse was pitiful and no one believed him.
basic
The broken toy was in a pitiful state.
basic
Honestly, his performance was just pitiful to watch.
natural
That's a pitiful amount of food for dinner!
natural
He gave me a pitiful smile, like he wanted me to feel sorry for him.
natural