pitiful

UK: ˈpɪtɪf(ə)l | US: ˈpɪtɪf(ə)l

Definition

  1. adj. 1. Deserving or arousing pity; sad or wretched.

  2. adj. 2. Contemptibly inadequate or small (e.g., a pitiful attempt).

Structure
piti <pity>ful <full of>
Etymology

pitiful = piti<pity> + ful<full of>

  • piti (from Middle English pite, Old French pité, Latin pietas: "duty, compassion")
  • ful (Old English -ful, suffix meaning "full of" or "characterized by")

Etymology Origin:
The word pitiful evolved from the Middle English pitifulle, combining pity (compassion) with the suffix -ful (abundance). Originally, it described something deserving sympathy, but over time, it gained a secondary meaning of something so inadequate that it evokes scorn (e.g., "a pitiful excuse"). The duality reflects how compassion can shift to disdain when the object of pity is perceived as weak or unworthy.

Examples

  1. The stray dog’s pitiful whines moved her to adopt it.

  2. He made a pitiful attempt to apologize after the mistake.

  3. The refugees lived in pitiful conditions with no clean water.

  4. Her pitiful salary barely covered rent.

  5. The actor’s pitiful performance drew criticism from reviewers.