pitiable
Worthy of sympathy
Pitiable describes someone or something deserving of pity—evoking compassion because of suffering, misfortune, or inadequacy.
A pitiable condition or pitiable state suggests genuine hardship that moves observers to sympathy.
The word can also carry a hint of contempt, suggesting something is so inferior as to be pathetic rather than merely unfortunate: His pitiable attempts at humor fell flat.
Unlike pitiful, which more often emphasizes inadequacy, pitiable leans toward arousing sympathy.
Extremely unhappy or unfortunate
- woefulExtremely sad or pitiful
- heartrendingCausing overwhelming grief
- forlornSad and abandoned
- sorrowfulFilled with grief
lamentable · deplorable · mournful · doleful · plaintive · poignant · heartwrenching · distressing
Morally worthless, beneath regard
- patheticArousing scornful pity
- sorryExpressing regret or apology
- shamefulCausing or meriting disgrace
- disgracefulCausing loss of respect
ignominious · abject · lowly · base · unworthy · degraded · dishonorable · sordid
Unable to act independently
- defenselessWithout means to resist
- weakLacking power or force
- fragileEasily broken or damaged
- powerlessLacking strength or authority
exposed · unprotected · susceptible · infirm · feeble · frail · at-risk · imperiled
wretched
Extremely unhappy or unfortunate
- woefulExtremely sad or pitiful
- heartrendingCausing overwhelming grief
- forlornSad and abandoned
sorrowful · lamentable · deplorable · mournful · doleful · plaintive · poignant · heartwrenching · distressing · grievous
despicable
Morally worthless, beneath regard
disgraceful · ignominious · abject · lowly · base · unworthy · degraded · dishonorable · sordid · vile
helpless
Unable to act independently
- defenselessWithout means to resist
- weakLacking power or force
- fragileEasily broken or damaged
powerless · exposed · unprotected · susceptible · infirm · feeble · frail · at-risk · imperiled · endangered
sympathetic
Feeling others' emotions
- tear-jerkingProvoking strong emotional response
- underdogPresumed loser beforehand
- orphanedDeprived of parents
bereaved · suffering · afflicted · anguished · tormented · burdened · troubled · struggling · desolate · lonesome
pitiableadmirable
Deserving high regard
laudable · praiseworthy · commendable · noble · estimable
pitiableenviable
Arousing covetous feelings
admirable · formidable · redoubtable · impressive · awe-inspiring
pitiablefortunate
Enjoying favorable circumstances
enviable · blessed · lucky · privileged · prosperous