Main Entry: rue·ful

Pronunciation: \ˈrü-fəl\

Function: adjective

Date: 13th century

1 : exciting pity or sympathy : pitiable <rueful squalid poverty…by every wayside — John Morley>
2 : mournful, regretful <troubled her with a rueful disquiet — W. M. Thackeray>

— rue·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb

— rue·ful·ness noun