English Dictionary

Definition of “pitiable

pitiable (ˈpɪtɪəbəllPronunciation for pitiable

Definitions

adjective

  1. exciting or deserving pity or contempt

Alternative Forms

ˈpitiableness noun ˈpitiably adverb

Usage examples

  • On the A-4 pad on her desk, Tara had scrawled the pitiable amounts left in the account.
    Cathy Kelly, JUST BETWEEN US (2002)
  • Another pitiable fact is that less than 7 per cent of our exports are shipped to ultimate destinations from Indian ports.
    Business Today (2001)
  • Heidi, though impulsive and foolish, is resolutely herself: which makes her at once more pitiable and more human.
    The Australian (2004)
  • Tory peer Lord Tebbit said: "This demonstrates the pitiable state to which the democracy of the UK has been reduced.
    Sun, News of the World (2002)
  • Somalia presents the most pitiable face of contemporary Africa.
    Grenville, J. A. S., The Collins History of the World in the 20th Century (1994)

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