definition of
[pitiful]

[1] #1 pitiful s. [pathetic, pitiable] inspiring mixed contempt and pity; "their efforts were pathetic"; "pitiable lack of character"; "pitiful exhibition of cowardice". wn

[2] #2 pitiful s. [deplorable, distressing, lamentable, sad, sorry] bad; unfortunate; "my finances were in a deplorable state"; "a lamentable decision"; "her clothes were in sad shape"; "a sorry state of affairs". wn

[3] #3 pitiful s. [hapless, miserable, misfortunate, pathetic, piteous, pitiable, poor, wretched] deserving or inciting pity; "a hapless victim"; "miserable victims of war"; "the shabby room struck her as extraordinarily pathetic"- Galsworthy; "piteous appeals for help"; "pitiable homeless children"; "a pitiful fate"; "Oh, you poor thing"; "his poor d. wn