pitiful

Adjective

WordNet 3.0

inspiring mixed contempt and pity“their efforts were pathetic”“pitiable lack of character”“pitiful exhibition of cowardice”Synonyms: pathetic pitiable
bad; unfortunate“my finances were in a deplorable state”“a lamentable decision”“her clothes were in sad shape”“a sorry state of affairs”Synonyms: deplorable distressing lamentable sad sorry
deserving or inciting pity“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”Synonyms: hapless miserable misfortunate pathetic piteous pitiable poor wretched

Pitiful \Pit"i*ful\, a.

1.Full of pity; tender-hearted; compassionate; kind; merciful; sympathetic. [1913 Webster]

The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.— James v. 11.[1913 Webster]

2.Piteous; lamentable; eliciting compassion. [1913 Webster]

A thing, indeed, very pitiful and horrible.— Spenser.[1913 Webster]

3.To be pitied for littleness or meanness; miserable; paltry; contemptible; despicable. [1913 Webster]

That's villainous, and shows a most pitiful ambition in the fool that uses it.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

Syn: Despicable; mean; paltry. See Contemptible. [1913 Webster] -- Pit"i*ful*ly, adv. -- Pit"i*ful*ness, n. [1913 Webster]

PITIFUL, adj. The state of an enemy of opponent after an imaginary encounter with oneself.