1. pathetic, pitiable, pitiful

inspiring mixed contempt and pity

Example Sentences:
'their efforts were pathetic'
'pitiable lack of character'
'pitiful exhibition of cowardice'

Synonyms

• pathetic
• pitiable

2. deplorable, distressing, lamentable, pitiful, sad, sorry

bad; unfortunate

Example Sentences:
'my finances were in a deplorable state'
'a lamentable decision'
'her clothes were in sad shape'
'a sorry state of affairs'

Synonyms

• deplorable
• distressing
• lamentable
• sad
• sorry

3. hapless, miserable, misfortunate, pathetic, piteous, pitiable, pitiful, poor, wretched

deserving or inciting pity

Example Sentences:
'a hapless victim'
'miserable victims of war'
'the shabby room struck her as extraordinarily pathetic'
'piteous appeals for help'
'pitiable homeless children'
'a pitiful fate'
'Oh, you poor thing'
'his poor distorted limbs'
'a wretched life'

Synonyms

• hapless
• miserable
• misfortunate
• pathetic
• piteous
• pitiable
• poor
• wretched