Definition of PITIABLE

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

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. a contemptible liar despicable may imply utter worthlessness and usually suggests arousing an attitude of moral indignation. a despicable crime pitiable applies to what inspires mixed contempt and pity. a pitiable attempt at tragedy sorry may stress pitiable inadequacy or may suggest wretchedness or sordidness. this rattletrap is a sorry excuse for a car scurvy adds to despicable an implication of arousing disgust. a scurvy crew of hangers-on

pitiable