Synonyms of pitiable

pitiable

adjective

ˈpi-tē-ə-bəl 

1

as in pitiful

arousing or deserving of one's loathing and disgust

the sales presentation was a pitiable display of ineptitude and disorganization

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pitiful
• lame
• wretched
• cheap
• dirty
• mean
• nasty
• disgusting
• hateful
• deplorable
• contemptible
• vile
• sorry
• despicable
• paltry
• lousy
• grubby
• scabby
• scurvy
• ratty
• sneaking
• loathsome
• abominable
• detestable
• disgraceful
• scummy
• shameful
• odious
• repulsive
• cruddy
• abhorrent
• repugnant
• revolting
• condemnable
• execrable
• ignominious
• disreputable
• discreditable
• ignoble
• squalid
• dishonorable
• sordid
• shabby
• craven
• reprehensible
• reptilian
• cowardly
• unprincipled
• unscrupulous
• revulsive
• base
• dastardly
• censurable
• unethical
• low
• reproachable
• blamable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• admirable
• laudable
• meritorious
• commendable
• praiseworthy
• creditable
• noble
• honorable
• honest
• scrupulous
• principled
• redoubtable
• upright
• moral
• good
• reputable
• virtuous
• righteous
• right
• ethical
• high-minded
• right-minded

2

as in pathetic

deserving pitying scorn (as for inadequacy)

a pitiable attempt at singing that generated snickers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pathetic
• pitiful
• sad
• miserable
• wretched
• lame
• contemptible
• disgusting
• despicable
• sorry
• bad
• poor
• shameful
• deplorable
• disgraceful
• notorious
• abominable
• detestable
• odious
• disreputable
• worthless
• ignominious
• infamous
• hateful
• abhorrent
• stinking
• unworthy
• discreditable
• lousy
• shocking
• dishonorable
• inferior
• sordid
• beastly
• misbegotten
• scandalous
• unsavory
• meritless

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• admirable
• decent
• respectable
• worthy
• outstanding
• excellent
• notable
• meritorious
• commendable
• noteworthy
• creditable
• noticeable
• perfect
• laudable
• praiseworthy
• presentable
• reputable
• noble
• honorable
• redoubtable
• honest
• straight
• flawless

3

as in poor

deserving of one's pity

a pitiable, starving old dog

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pathetic
• pitiful
• poor
• wretched
• miserable
• sorry
• piteous
• sad
• horrible
• disturbing
• terrible
• deplorable
• rueful
• lamentable
• heartbreaking
• impressive
• regrettable
• heartrending
• mournful
• awful
• emotional
• inspiring
• poignant
• distressing
• moving
• sorrowful
• touching
• stirring
• affecting
• grievous
• upsetting
• woeful

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unimpressive
• uninspiring

Synonym Chooser

How is the word pitiable different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of pitiable are contemptible, despicable, scurvy, and sorry. While all these words mean "arousing or deserving scorn," pitiable applies to what inspires mixed contempt and pity.

a pitiable attempt at tragedy

When might contemptible be a better fit than pitiable?

The synonyms contemptible and pitiable are sometimes interchangeable, but contemptible may imply any quality provoking scorn or a low standing in any scale of values.

a contemptible liar

In what contexts can despicable take the place of pitiable?

The words despicable and pitiable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, despicable may imply utter worthlessness and usually suggests arousing an attitude of moral indignation.

a despicable crime

How are the words scurvy and despicable related as synonyms of pitiable?

Scurvy adds to despicable an implication of arousing disgust.

a scurvy crew of hangers-on

When is sorry a more appropriate choice than pitiable?

The meanings of sorry and pitiable largely overlap; however, sorry may stress pitiable inadequacy or may suggest wretchedness or sordidness.

this rattletrap is a sorry excuse for a car

Examples of pitiable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Callas’s last years were tragic, or at least pitiable. —Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 29 Nov. 2023

Yet Chalamet gave him layers — a sliver of pitiable self-protection and tragic besottedness. —Vulture, 8 Dec. 2023

Cesira’s circumstances may be pitiable, but her character isn’t. —Jess Bergman, The New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2023

Robinette is a model of dignity in a role that in lesser hands might seem pitiable. —Peter Marks, Washington Post, 20 Oct. 2023