pitiful

• Beschreibt etwas, das Mitleid oder Mitgefühl hervorruft, oft wegen Schwäche, Kleinheit oder Unzulänglichkeit; auch abwertend für etwas, das erbärmlich oder kläglich ist.

Describes something that evokes pity or sympathy, often due to being weak, small, or inadequate.

1. Arousing both contempt and pityB2formal

   Describing something or someone that is so weak, inadequate, or pathetic that it inspires a mixture of scorn and sympathy.

   Erbärmlich

   • His pitiful attempt at an apology only made things worse.
   • The team's pitiful performance drew jeers from the crowd.
   • She gave a pitiful excuse for being late.

   Synonymemiserablepatheticpitiablesorrywretched

   Antonymeadmirableexcellentrespectable

2. Very bad or unfortunateB2formal

   Used to describe a situation or condition that is extremely poor, inadequate, or regrettable.

   Erbärmlich

   • The refugees were living in pitiful conditions.
   • He received a pitiful salary for his hard work.
   • The garden was in a pitiful state after the drought.

   Synonymedeplorableinadequatelamentablemeagermiserablepaltrypatheticsadsorrywretched

   Antonymeadmirableexcellentsplendidsuperbwonderful

3. Deserving or inciting pityB2formal

   Evoking a feeling of sorrow or compassion due to suffering or misfortune.

   Mitleid erregend

   • The lost puppy let out a pitiful whimper.
   • Her pitiful story moved everyone to tears.
   • He looked at the pitiful sight of the abandoned house.

   Synonymelamentablemovingpatheticpiteouspitiablepoorsorrytouchingwretched