pitiable

adjective piti·able \ 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

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pitiableness

noun

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pitiably

play \ˈpi-tē-ə-blē\ adverb

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Examples of pitiable in a Sentence

the sales presentation was a pitiable display of ineptitude and disorganization
a pitiable attempt at singing that generated snickers

Recent Examples of pitiable from the Web

Gollum is so perfectly unhinged, terrifying and pitiable at the same time and Bilbo’s silent decision to spare him works perfectly.

— corrina lawson, WIRED, "Book or Movie? How My Favorite Tolkien Scenes Fared on Film," 18 Dec. 2012

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pitiable.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of pitiable

15th century

pitiable Synonyms

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

Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Discussion of pitiable

contemptible, despicable, pitiable, sorry, scurvy mean arousing or deserving scorn. contemptible may imply any quality provoking scorn or a low standing in any scale of values.