pitiful
gb/pˈɪtəfəl/ us/pˈɪtəfəl/
B2
English
~ 6300
szánalomra méltó, szánalmas, szívszorító, nevetséges, siralmas, könyörületes, együttérző, irgalmas
B2
1
Usage pattern:
a pitiful [person/cry/sight/state]
The abandoned puppy let out a pitiful whimper from the cardboard box.
Az elhagyott kiskutya szívszorító nyüszítést hallatott a kartondobozból.
We found the family living in pitiful conditions after the flood, with almost no food or clean water.
Az árvíz után szívszorító körülmények között találtunk rá a családra: alig volt élelmük vagy tiszta vizük.
She gave a pitiful little smile, trying to be brave through her pain.
The old man’s pitiful figure stood alone at the bus stop in the pouring rain.
The charity showed photos of pitiful children who needed medical help.
Learner examples
The dog looked so pitiful that we decided to take it home.
A kutya annyira szánalomra méltónak tűnt, hogy úgy döntöttünk, hazavisszük.
He gave a pitiful cry when he hurt his leg.
Szívszorító kiáltást hallatott, amikor megsérült a lába.
They lived in a pitiful house with holes in the roof.
The small, wet bird on the ground was a pitiful sight.
Her pitiful face made everyone feel sorry for her.
Common mistake:
Learners often use "pitiful" about people when they only want to express sympathy. In modern English, calling a person "pitiful" can sometimes sound insulting, especially if it hints at weakness. To sound kinder, learners can use "sad", "unfortunate", or "in a bad situation" when talking about people.
Meaning
causing strong feelings of pity
Collocations
a pitiful sight
|a pitiful cry
|a pitiful little [figure]
|pitiful condition(s)
|look pitiful
|sound pitiful
Synonyms
pitiable (More formal and neutral; focuses on deserving pity without implying contempt.)
|
heartbreaking (Stronger and more emotional; emphasizes deep sadness rather than weakness.)
Antonyms
reassuring (Describes something that makes people feel safe or calm rather than feeling pity.)
|
comforting (Suggests giving emotional ease, the opposite of causing pity or distress.)
Themes
emotions
|daily life
|society
|core_vocabulary
Definition
So sad, weak, or poor that people feel very sorry when they see it.
Causing strong feelings of pity because of suffering, sadness, weakness, or need.
C1
INFORMAL
2
Usage pattern:
a pitiful [amount/performance/excuse]
They offered us a pitiful amount of money for the car, so we refused.
Nevetségesen kevés pénzt ajánlottak az autóért, ezért visszautasítottuk.
The team’s pitiful performance in the final shocked their fans.
A csapat szánalmas teljesítménye a döntőben megdöbbentette a szurkolóikat.
He makes a pitiful excuse every time he arrives late for work.
Families are trying to survive on pitiful wages that barely cover rent.
The company gave a pitiful response to the serious safety problems.
Learner examples
The workers are paid a pitiful wage for long hours.
A munkások nevetségesen alacsony bért kapnak a hosszú munkaórákért.
We got a pitiful amount of food after waiting in line for an hour.
Egy óra sorban állás után nevetségesen kevés ételt kaptunk.
Their first try at the show was pitiful, and the audience did not clap.
That is a pitiful excuse for not doing your homework.
The singer gave a pitiful performance and forgot many words.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes think "pitiful" only means "sad" or "unfortunate". In this sense, it is strongly negative and critical, close to "pathetic". Using it about a person or their effort can sound quite harsh or rude, so it should be used carefully.
Meaning
extremely small, weak, or bad
Collocations
a pitiful amount
|a pitiful excuse
|a pitiful performance
|pitiful wages
|pitiful effort
|pitiful attempt
Synonyms
pathetic (Very close in meaning and register; often slightly stronger and more common in everyday speech for this critical sense.)
|
miserable (Stresses how very poor in quality or amount something is; slightly less sharp and insulting than "pitiful" in some contexts.)
Antonyms
impressive (Suggests the exact opposite: something very good or strong instead of shamefully weak.)
|
adequate (Highlights being good enough, the opposite of being far too little or too poor.)
Themes
judgment
|quality
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
|communication
Definition
Very small, weak, or bad, so that you feel it is not good enough and almost shameful.
Extremely small, weak, or bad in a way that deserves strong criticism or contempt.
C1
LITERARY
3
Usage pattern:
a pitiful [heart/character/nature]
The queen was praised in the old tales as a pitiful ruler who cared for the poor.
A régi mesékben a királynőt könyörületes uralkodóként dicsérték, aki gondoskodott a szegényekről.
In the novel, his pitiful heart will not allow him to turn away the hungry child.
A regényben könyörületes szíve nem engedi, hogy elforduljon az éhes gyermektől.
They prayed that the judge would be pitiful and spare the young man’s life.
Learner examples
The story tells of a pitiful king who helps the weak.
A történet egy könyörületes királyról szól, aki segít a gyengéken.
Her pitiful nature makes her give money to every person in need.
Együttérző természete miatt minden rászorulónak ad pénzt.
The villagers asked for a pitiful and kind leader.
Common mistake:
This meaning is rare in modern speech and can be confused with the more common negative or sympathetic senses. Learners should normally use "compassionate" or "kind" instead of "pitiful" when they want to say someone shows pity.
Meaning
showing pity or compassion
Collocations
a pitiful heart
|a pitiful nature
|a pitiful spirit
Synonyms
compassionate (Neutral and more common today; clearly describes a caring, understanding attitude toward suffering.)
|
merciful (Stresses willingness to forgive or reduce punishment, especially when someone is suffering.)
Antonyms
pitiless (Direct morphological opposite; describes someone who shows no pity or mercy.)
|
hard-hearted (Informal; suggests a cold person who does not feel or show pity.)
Themes
emotions
|character
|relationships
Definition
Feeling and showing pity and kindness to people who are suffering.
Showing pity and compassion toward the suffering of others.
Grammar
Dictionary form
pitiful
IPA
GB/pˈɪtəfəl/
US/pˈɪtəfəl/
Syllables & stress
pi - ti - ful (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (pi)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: pitiful
Word family
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.