1
as in pathetic
deserving pitying scorn (as for inadequacy)
that piece of junk is a pitiful excuse for a car
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lame
arousing or deserving of one's loathing and disgust
a pitiful coward
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in poor
deserving of one's pity
pitiful orphans who had lost everything in the war
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pitiful
Written as a response to the utopian fiction that consumed Russia’s intelligentsia at the time, Notes from Underground is a mirror that reflects the ugliest, most pitiful aspects of humanity back at us.
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Big Think,
29 Apr. 2026
These two beacons of truth and connoisseurs of mess have been bonded for over a decade, sharing the traumas of a crappy Boston dorm room and a pitiful Brooklyn dating scene.
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Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
21 Apr. 2026
Most of the time, experts say, vaguebooking boils down to a pitiful plea for attention on the part of the poster.
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Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
9 Apr. 2026
Given that California ranks a pitiful 49th in the nation in the condition, safety and costs of roads and bridges, according to the Reason Foundation’s 2025 Annual Highway Report, taxpayers’ transportation dollars would likely be better spent elsewhere.
—
Adam Summers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pitiful
Big Think,
29 Apr. 2026
These two beacons of truth and connoisseurs of mess have been bonded for over a decade, sharing the traumas of a crappy Boston dorm room and a pitiful Brooklyn dating scene.
—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
21 Apr. 2026
Most of the time, experts say, vaguebooking boils down to a pitiful plea for attention on the part of the poster.
—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
9 Apr. 2026
Given that California ranks a pitiful 49th in the nation in the condition, safety and costs of roads and bridges, according to the Reason Foundation’s 2025 Annual Highway Report, taxpayers’ transportation dollars would likely be better spent elsewhere.
—
Adam Summers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pitiful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pitiful
Adjective
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After these first three majors — and after a pathetic showing this week at Shinnecock — there's no reason to bet against it.
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The Right Now’s Diana Levy — the executive producer of the stunt — asked reporters to spread out in a way that would make the turnout appear as sparse (and therefore pathetic) as possible.
Adjective
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On paper, some of the six, all of whom are far-right conservatives, have enviable educational backgrounds, but the record has proven that each one is openly political and willing to rubber-stamp nearly all of DeSantis’ lame and unconstitutional policies.
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In November 2008 an errant air strike, conducted under auspices of a lame-duck Bush administration, killed 37 civilians who were at a wedding party in Wech Baghtu, Afghanistan.
Adjective
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Rebecca Lowe joins Dan Patrick to discuss some of the top storylines around the World Cup, including Cristiano Ronaldo's poor play to start, the United States' potential and more.
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Will the gap between rural and urban America – and the gap between rich and poor America – decline or grow?
Adjective
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Este is sad — Este is depressed-y.
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How sad or scary is ‘Toy Story 5’?
Adjective
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The pricier piece is often the cheaper one to own.
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That marks a shift from an older data-center playbook built around cheap land, fiber access and tax incentives, with power planning often becoming a constraint later in the process.
Adjective
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Jones also further expounds on the vampire’s wretched lineage and mythology through flashbacks.
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Portages can be wretched, slippery hellscapes of mud, bugs, and steep, rocky hills seemingly designed to inflict lower back pain.
Adjective
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Those who have sustained a severe burn or dirty wound should follow up with a booster after five years, according to the CDC.
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Down Pennsylvania Avenue, a man in a karate gi, disposable gloves, and dirty white sneakers was hauling a cart by means of a homemade yoke strapped across his shoulders.
Adjective
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Bryson, in particular, has looked miserable all season.
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Despite concerns that the conflict in the Middle East would further squeeze a flagging labor market, hiring has picked up in recent months following a miserable 2025 that saw fewer than 200,000 job gains.
Cite this Entry
“Pitiful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pitiful. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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