pitiable

piti·able

adjective \ˈpi-tē-ə-bəl\

Definition of PITIABLE

1

: deserving or exciting pity : lamentable <pitiable victims>

2

: of a kind to evoke mingled pity and contempt especially because of inadequacy <a pitiable excuse>

— piti·able·ness noun

— piti·ably \-blē\ adverb

Examples of PITIABLE

1. <the sales presentation was a pitiable display of ineptitude and disorganization>
2. <a pitiable attempt at singing that generated snickers>

First Known Use of PITIABLE

15th century

Related to PITIABLE

Synonyms

cheap, cruddy, deplorable, despicable, dirty, grubby, lame, lousy, mean, nasty, paltry, contemptible, pitiful, ratty, scabby, scummy, scurvy, sneaking, sorry, wretched

Antonyms

admirable, commendable, creditable, laudable, meritorious, praiseworthy

Related Words

abhorrent, abominable, condemnable, detestable, execrable, hateful, loathsome, odious; disgusting, reptilian, repugnant, repulsive, revolting, revulsive; discreditable, disgraceful, dishonorable, disreputable, ignominious, shameful; base, ignoble, low, shabby, sordid, squalid, vile; blamable, censurable, reprehensible, reproachable; cowardly, craven, dastardly; unethical, unprincipled, unscrupulous

Near Antonyms

high-minded, honest, honorable, noble, principled, redoubtable, reputable, right-minded, scrupulous, upright; ethical, good, moral, right, righteous, virtuous

See Synonym Discussion at contemptible