Pitiable

usgb/ˈpɪtiəbl/
adjective

Deserving or arousing pity.

Mary was in a pitiable condition after losing her job and her house in the same week.
Visual representation of "pitiable" - Deserving or arousing pity.

Often appears as...

  • pitiable condition
  • pitiable state

Usage tips

Disapproving

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "pitiable"
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Deserving Sympathy

Use 'pitiable' to express that someone's situation is so sad it makes people want to help them.

Illustration for Deserving Sympathy
The homeless man's pitiable appearance moved us to donate food and clothes.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Always Weakness

'Pitiable' can describe a situation, showing empathy without suggesting that a person is weak.

Illustration for Not Always Weakness
Despite her pitiable circumstances, she remained determined and strong-willed.
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Negative Emotion

Although 'pitiable' involves empathy, it often carries a negative tone suggesting a person is in a bad condition.

Illustration for Negative Emotion
The team's performance was so poor, it was deemed a pitiable display of skill.
Visual representation of the word "Pitiable"

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