1
as in pathetic
deserving pitying scorn (as for inadequacy)
that piece of junk is a pitiful excuse for a car
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
From ’01 to ’20, the Knicks played in only 30 postseason games, posting a pitiful 9-21 record.
—
Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 18 May 2025
Not a week goes by without a new sensational report lamenting the educational aspirations, well-being expectations or pitiful work ethic of people born post-millennium.
—Lauren Coulman, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
The pitiful performance by the Texas Rangers against the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2016 divisional round.
—Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 May 2025
But the rates were pitiful: $9.87 for a 13-mile trip, $19.97 for a 25-mile trip and so on.
—Eli Tan, New York Times, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pitiful
Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 18 May 2025
Not a week goes by without a new sensational report lamenting the educational aspirations, well-being expectations or pitiful work ethic of people born post-millennium.
—Lauren Coulman, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
The pitiful performance by the Texas Rangers against the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2016 divisional round.
—Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 May 2025
But the rates were pitiful: $9.87 for a 13-mile trip, $19.97 for a 25-mile trip and so on.
—Eli Tan, New York Times, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pitiful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pitiful
Adjective
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Nevertheless, the squad needs to shift strategies and Sonny is here to take them from pathetic to aggressive.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
26 June 2025
-
Jarvis’ performance is transformative, making Mark both pathetic and feverishly alive, his corrosive remorse seemingly genuine.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
10 June 2025
Adjective
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As holidays go, however, Flag Day can feel a bit lame.—
Kevin Fisher-Paulson,
San Francisco Chronicle,
8 June 2021
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My 11-year-old loved watching the pups roll balls and play a giant floor piano, but for non-dog owners (guilty as charged), parts of the series—like dressing dogs in little hats and outfits for a Parisian fashion show—feel lame.—
Tim Neville,
Outside Online,
23 Nov. 2020
Adjective
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The key drivers are BGE’s soaring spending and profits and poor management by PJM Interconnection, the private entity that operates our electric grid.—
Emily Scarr,
Baltimore Sun,
29 June 2025
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Despite having a poor 2024 season that saw the Pirates remove Bednar from the closer role, the right-hander is back to his dominant form.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 June 2025
Adjective
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Too much alcohol and your dreamy dessert turns into a sad, semi-frozen slush.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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All three movies are packed with dinosaurs—dinosaurs running, dinosaurs being sad and winsome, dinosaurs showing ruthless disregard for human life.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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However, thimerosal is more common elsewhere in the world for various multi-dose vaccine vials, which are cheaper than the single-dose vials more commonly used in the US.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
26 June 2025
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These Golden Hour Savings deals bring these loafers’ price tag down to as low as $52, which is much cheaper than most leather (or vegan leather) loafers.—
Katie Decker-Jacoby,
StyleCaster,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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That was a fine symbolic soundtrack for the numbing atmosphere after a game that epitomized a wretched stretch for the Royals — one that is threatening to define and derail a seemingly promising season.—
Vahe Gregorian,
Kansas City Star,
27 June 2025
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That bubble prevents clouds from forming, meaning no rain, intense sunshine and wretched humidity.—
John Annese,
New York Daily News,
22 June 2025
Adjective
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Finally, never reuse dirty water as toddlers and pets might accidentally swallow it.—
Lauren Bengtson,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 June 2025
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The wider sweeps are stressing the capacity of the detention system, where detainees have reported moldy food, dirty towels and no changes of clothes for more than a week at a time.—
Rachel Uranga,
Los Angeles Times,
25 June 2025
Adjective
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As a result, couples may find themselves in a miserable situation.—
Mark Travers,
CNBC,
29 June 2025
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According to a 2022 Gallup poll, 19% of employees are miserable at work, and 60% feel emotionally detached.—
Sho Dewan,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pitiful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pitiful. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.
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