Synonyms of pitiable

pitiable

adjective

ˈpi-tē-ə-bəl 

1

as in pitiful

arousing or deserving of one's loathing and disgust

the sales presentation was a pitiable display of ineptitude and disorganization

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pitiful
• lame
• wretched
• cheap
• dirty
• mean
• nasty
• disgusting
• hateful
• deplorable
• contemptible
• vile
• sorry
• despicable
• paltry
• lousy
• grubby
• scabby
• scurvy
• ratty
• sneaking
• loathsome
• abominable
• detestable
• disgraceful
• scummy
• shameful
• odious
• repulsive
• cruddy
• abhorrent
• repugnant
• revolting
• condemnable
• execrable
• ignominious
• disreputable
• discreditable
• ignoble
• squalid
• dishonorable
• sordid
• shabby
• craven
• reprehensible
• reptilian
• cowardly
• unprincipled
• unscrupulous
• revulsive
• base
• dastardly
• censurable
• unethical
• low
• reproachable
• blamable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• admirable
• laudable
• meritorious
• commendable
• praiseworthy
• creditable
• noble
• honorable
• honest
• scrupulous
• principled
• redoubtable
• upright
• moral
• good
• reputable
• virtuous
• righteous
• right
• ethical
• high-minded
• right-minded

2

as in pathetic

deserving pitying scorn (as for inadequacy)

a pitiable attempt at singing that generated snickers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pathetic
• pitiful
• sad
• miserable
• wretched
• lame
• contemptible
• disgusting
• despicable
• sorry
• bad
• poor
• shameful
• deplorable
• disgraceful
• notorious
• abominable
• detestable
• odious
• disreputable
• worthless
• ignominious
• infamous
• hateful
• abhorrent
• stinking
• unworthy
• discreditable
• lousy
• shocking
• dishonorable
• inferior
• sordid
• beastly
• misbegotten
• scandalous
• unsavory
• meritless

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• admirable
• decent
• respectable
• worthy
• outstanding
• excellent
• notable
• meritorious
• commendable
• noteworthy
• creditable
• noticeable
• perfect
• laudable
• praiseworthy
• presentable
• reputable
• noble
• honorable
• redoubtable
• honest
• straight
• flawless

3

as in poor

deserving of one's pity

a pitiable, starving old dog

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pathetic
• pitiful
• poor
• wretched
• miserable
• sorry
• piteous
• sad
• horrible
• disturbing
• terrible
• deplorable
• rueful
• lamentable
• heartbreaking
• impressive
• regrettable
• heartrending
• mournful
• awful
• emotional
• inspiring
• poignant
• distressing
• moving
• sorrowful
• touching
• stirring
• affecting
• grievous
• upsetting
• woeful

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unimpressive
• uninspiring

Synonym Chooser

How is the word pitiable different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of pitiable are contemptible, despicable, scurvy, and sorry. While all these words mean "arousing or deserving scorn," pitiable applies to what inspires mixed contempt and pity.

a pitiable attempt at tragedy

When might contemptible be a better fit than pitiable?

The synonyms contemptible and pitiable are sometimes interchangeable, but contemptible may imply any quality provoking scorn or a low standing in any scale of values.

a contemptible liar

In what contexts can despicable take the place of pitiable?

The words despicable and pitiable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, despicable may imply utter worthlessness and usually suggests arousing an attitude of moral indignation.

a despicable crime

How are the words scurvy and despicable related as synonyms of pitiable?

Scurvy adds to despicable an implication of arousing disgust.

a scurvy crew of hangers-on

When is sorry a more appropriate choice than pitiable?

The meanings of sorry and pitiable largely overlap; however, sorry may stress pitiable inadequacy or may suggest wretchedness or sordidness.

this rattletrap is a sorry excuse for a car

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of pitiable

Despite the ceasefire, Gazans are suffering from pitiable conditions. — Matt Bradley, NBC news, 27 Jan. 2026

More pitiable people do not exist; conspiracy gave Agnes, a bearer of shattering loss, purpose. — Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 18 Jan. 2026

Early modern people often represented ghosts as sad and pitiable. — Penelope Geng, The Conversation, 27 Oct. 2025

And Berchtold capably taps into the raw pain underneath Paul’s party-bro exterior, rendering him pitiable if not exactly likable. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2025