pitiable

[ pit-ee-uh-buhl ]

adjective

1. evoking or deserving pity; lamentable:

   pitiable homeless pets.

2. evoking or deserving contemptuous pity; miserable; contemptible:

   a pitiable lack of character.

pitiable

/ ˈpɪtɪəbəl /

adjective

1. exciting or deserving pity or contempt

Derived Forms

• ˈpitiably, adverb
• ˈpitiableness, noun

Other Words From

• pit·i·a·ble·ness noun
• pit·i·a·bly adverb
• un·pit·i·a·ble adjective
• un·pit·i·a·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of pitiable¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Old French piteable, equivalent to pite(er) “to pity” + -able adjective suffix; pity, -able

Synonym Study

See pitiful.

Example Sentences

As his tweet demonstrates, it's often too pitiable to warrant a word as powerful as "toxic."

From Salon

“Fat people are either the punchline or we are this pitiable figure,” he said in a video conversation.

From Los Angeles Times

Surely women aren’t so pitiable as to need a participation certificate every time we try.

From Seattle Times

It’s a sign of independence and commitment to her vocation rather than a pitiable condition.

From Los Angeles Times

They both have a lot riding on this journey, which they’ve come to believe is their last chance to wring some meaning out of lives other people see as pitiable.

From Los Angeles Times