Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

pitiful

adjective

Synonyms and Antonyms of pitiful

1 deserving pitying scorn (as for inadequacy)

  • that piece of junk is a pitiful excuse for a car
Synonyms of pitiful

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

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 pitiful

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

notable, noteworthy, noticeable, outstanding, reputable, worthy

excellent

flawless, perfect

honorable, noble

honest, straight
Antonyms of pitiful

decent, presentable, respectable

2 arousing or deserving of oneʼs loathing and disgust

  • a pitiful coward
Synonyms of pitiful

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

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 pitiful

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

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

admirable, commendable, creditable, laudable, meritorious, praiseworthy

3 deserving of oneʼs pity

  • pitiful orphans who had lost everything in the war
Synonyms of pitiful

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

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 pitiful

unimpressive, uninspiring

Learn More about pitiful

  1. Dictionary: Definition of pitiful Spanish Central: Translation of pitiful Nglish: Translation of pitiful for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of pitiful for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up pitiful? 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!

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