Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

pitiable

adjective

Synonyms and Antonyms of pitiable

1 arousing or deserving of oneʼs loathing and disgust

  • the sales presentation was a pitiable display of ineptitude and disorganization
Synonyms of pitiable

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

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 of pitiable

high-minded, honest, honorable, noble, principled, redoubtable, reputable, right-minded, scrupulous, upright

ethical, good, moral, right, righteous, virtuous
Antonyms of pitiable

admirable, commendable, creditable, laudable, meritorious, praiseworthy

2 deserving pitying scorn (as for inadequacy)

  • a pitiable attempt at singing that generated snickers
Synonyms of pitiable

contemptible, despicable, miserable, pathetic, pitiful, sad, sorry, wretched
Words Related to pitiable

deplorable, discreditable, disgraceful, disreputable, ignominious, infamous, misbegotten, notorious, shameful

abhorrent, abominable, beastly, detestable, hateful, lousy, odious, stinking

bad, inferior, lame, poor

disgusting, dishonorable, shameful

meritless, unworthy, worthless

scandalous, shocking, sordid, unsavory
Near Antonyms of pitiable

admirable, commendable, creditable, laudable, meritorious, praiseworthy, redoubtable

notable, noteworthy, noticeable, outstanding, reputable, worthy

excellent

flawless, perfect

honorable, noble

honest, straight
Antonyms of pitiable

decent, presentable, respectable

3 deserving of oneʼs pity

  • a pitiable, starving old dog
Synonyms of pitiable

heartbreaking, heartrending, miserable, pathetic, piteous, pitiful, poor, rueful, sorry, wretched
Words Related to pitiable

deplorable, lamentable, regrettable

emotional, impressive, inspiring

affecting, moving, poignant, stirring, touching

awful, horrible, terrible

distressing, disturbing, upsetting

grievous, mournful, sad, sorrowful, woeful
Near Antonyms of pitiable

unimpressive, uninspiring

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

Learn More about pitiable

  1. Dictionary: Definition of pitiable Spanish Central: Translation of pitiable Nglish: Translation of pitiable for Spanish speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up pitiable? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

cornucopia

an inexhaustible supply or amount

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. gaslight It is a word, though.

  2. invasion CNN reporter questions President.

  3. relevancy Ariana Grande slams ex-fiancé.

SEE ALL

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games