adj.
Pronunciation: ' pi-ti-f ə l
Function: adjective
Date: 14th century
1 archaic : full of pity : COMPASSIONATE
2 a : deserving or arousing pity or commiseration b : exciting pitying contempt (as by meanness or inadequacy) < pitiful wages>
– piti · ful · ly \ -f( ə -)l ē \ adverb
– piti · ful · ness \ -f ə l-n ə s \ noun