pitiable
1. [ adjective ] inspiring mixed contempt and pity
Synonyms: pitiful pathetic
Examples:

"their efforts were pathetic" "pitiable lack of character" "pitiful exhibition of cowardice"

Related terms: contemptible
2. [ adjective ] deserving or inciting pity
Synonyms: poor piteous miserable pathetic hapless wretched pitiful misfortunate
Examples:

"a hapless victim" "miserable victims of war" "piteous appeals for help" "pitiable homeless children" "a pitiful fate" "couldn't rescue the poor fellow" "his poor distorted limbs" "a wretched life"

Related terms: unfortunate
Similar spelling:   pitiably
  pitiful