adjective
pitiable
PIT-ee-uh-bul/ˈpɪtiəbl/
Deserving pity.
The exhausted survivor is a pitiable sight beside his ruined belongings.
Etymology
Built on a verb meaning “to pity,” pitiable first described someone compassionate. Its meaning shifted from the person showing sympathy to the suffering person deserving it.
In context
on the next instant she saw the pitiable helpless weariness in his eyes and curiously the terror began to pass
More examples
- The shelter helps families living in pitiable circumstances.
- His pitiable cries draw a neighbor to the door.
- Without treatment, the neglected horse grows even more pitiable.
Forms
pitiable · more pitiable · most pitiable
pitiably adverb — In a way that deserves pity.
pity noun — Compassion for another person's suffering.
Similar words
- pitiful
- Often adds a sense of helplessness or miserable inadequacy.
- pathetic
- Often expresses contempt for weakness rather than genuine compassion.