Synonyms for pitiful

Synonyms for (adj) pitiful

Synonyms: pathetic, pitiable, pitiful

Definition: inspiring mixed contempt and pity

Usage: their efforts were pathetic; pitiable lack of character; pitiful exhibition of cowardice

Similar words: contemptible

Definition: deserving of contempt or scorn


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


Synonyms: deplorable, distressing, pitiful, lamentable, sorry, sad

Definition: bad; unfortunate

Usage: my finances were in a deplorable state; a lamentable decision; her clothes were in sad shape; a sorry state of affairs

Similar words: bad

Definition: having undesirable or negative qualities

Usage: a bad report card; his sloppy appearance made a bad impression; a bad little boy; clothes in bad shape; a bad cut; bad luck; the news was very bad; the reviews were bad; the pay is bad; it was a bad light for reading; the movie was a bad choice


Visual thesaurus for pitiful