Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Food is pitifully scarce, often no more than a single dry pita per person per day.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 6, 2025

To describe the plot — a dog and a robot are best friends, until they aren’t — the film sounds pitifully small.

From New York Times • May 30, 2024

“We played pitifully tonight, but when I say we played pitifully, I don’t want to take something away from BYU,” Kansas coach Bill Self said.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 27, 2024

The group accused Iran of showing "pitifully little respect" for human life.

From BBC • Jan. 14, 2023

“Pooperman,” Boo cries pitifully as Lou Ann pries her off my leg.

From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko