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
His second week has been pitiful, a reminder to all of his worst personal flaws.
—
Paul Bedard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 1 Feb. 2025
But that resulted in a pitiful rebounding effort and a below-average defense.
—Sabreena Merchant, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
This isn’t to say Orlok isn’t evil, but that his evilness does not exclude him from being pitiful.
—Alex Abad-Santos, Vox, 10 Jan. 2025
Perhaps this weekend can be a get-right game against the pitiful New York Jets, but there’s not much to be excited about.
—Fox News Staff, Fox News, 13 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for pitiful
Paul Bedard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 1 Feb. 2025
But that resulted in a pitiful rebounding effort and a below-average defense.
—Sabreena Merchant, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
This isn’t to say Orlok isn’t evil, but that his evilness does not exclude him from being pitiful.
—Alex Abad-Santos, Vox, 10 Jan. 2025
Perhaps this weekend can be a get-right game against the pitiful New York Jets, but there’s not much to be excited about.
—Fox News Staff, Fox News, 13 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for pitiful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pitiful
Adjective
-
In a bravura theatrical performance, Hawke makes the genius truly pathetic.—
Stephanie Bunbury,
Deadline,
18 Feb. 2025
-
Blonsky imbues the lead character of Tracy Turnblad, who could be a pathetic figure in lesser hands, with enough vitality to make the whole film feel fresh, even close to two decades after its release.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
15 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
As holidays go, however, Flag Day can feel a bit lame.—
Kevin Fisher-Paulson,
San Francisco Chronicle,
8 June 2021
-
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
-
But shortly after its release, AT&T dropped the device’s price down to just $0.99 in what was an unmistakable sign of poor sales – and perhaps an indication that consumers didn’t want more Facebook on their phone other than in its app.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN,
17 Feb. 2025
-
Without education, students with disabilities face higher rates of poverty, unemployment, poor health, and social isolation.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Especially sad is the case of Netta, one of Liat’s three children, who survived the attack.—
Jordan Mintzer,
The Hollywood Reporter,
20 Feb. 2025
-
The range of weapons and passive abilities that drop from major enemies just encourage different playstyles, rather than shoving you into a sad corner full of regrets.—
Josh Broadwell,
Rolling Stone,
19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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James said Costco is more interested in providing a good value to its customers than a cheap price.—
Nicolas Vega,
CNBC,
26 Feb. 2025
-
Tickets for adults range from $42 for a day pass to $98 for three days, with cheaper prices for ages 13 and younger.—
Lisa Gutierrez,
Kansas City Star,
26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Other players have been successful elsewhere, including Tomljanovic and Sam Stosur, who won the 2011 U.S. Open, but both have relatively wretched records in Melbourne.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
The Athletic,
16 Jan. 2025
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That’s good news for drivers who use this wretched thoroughfare and worry that their tires and shocks could not withstand the ruts and ridges of constant travel on a road that looks like it was damaged by mortar fire.—
Jerry Shnay,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
The touch screen was desensitized with a filmy layer of grease, the cumulative tapping of many dirty hands.—
Anelise Chen,
The Atlantic,
25 Feb. 2025
-
Mining is one of the dirtiest industries, contributing upwards of 5% of global carbon emissions.—
Justin Worland,
TIME,
25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
There’s no sugarcoating it: Being sick can be miserable.—
Amy Panos,
Better Homes & Gardens,
18 Feb. 2025
-
The way McAvoy used his great stick and heavy body to make life miserable for Canadians, including his Bruins teammate, Brad Marchand.—
Michael Russo,
The Athletic,
16 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pitiful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pitiful. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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