pitiful
adjective
evoking or deserving pity.
pitifully
-
a word derived from
pitiful.
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
“Maria,” which began streaming on Netflix this week, focuses on Callas’ reclusive last years when she was, if you care to believe this account, pitifully self-destructive.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 14, 2024
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
It was pitifully small; how could hairpins make a dent in that creature’s hide?
From "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas
