Synonyms: hapless, poor, piteous, pitiable, pitiful, wretched, miserable, misfortunate, pathetic
Definition: deserving or inciting pity
Usage: a hapless victim; miserable victims of war; the shabby room struck her as extraordinarily pathetic- Galsworthy; piteous appeals for help; pitiable homeless children; a pitiful fate; Oh, you poor thing; his poor distorted limbs; a wretched life
Similar words: unfortunate
Definition: not favored by fortune; marked or accompanied by or resulting in ill fortune
Usage: an unfortunate turn of events; an unfortunate decision; unfortunate investments; an unfortunate night for all concerned