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pitiful

[/ˈpɪtɪfl/]
adjective
patético
1. deserving or arousing pity; sad or unfortunate
The pitiful condition of the abandoned animals moved everyone to tears.
O estado patético dos animais abandonados comoveu a todos às lágrimas.
2. ridiculously small or inadequate; contemptible
He received a pitiful salary for his hard work.
Ele recebeu um salário patético pelo seu trabalho árduo.
3. causing feelings of sympathy or sadness
Her pitiful cries echoed through the empty hallway.
Seus gritos patéticos ecoavam pelo corredor vazio.
NYC Slang
weak, trash, corny
Synonyms
patheticmiserabledeplorablewretchedlamentablemeager
Antonyms
admirablecommendablegenerousadequaterespectable

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
patético
most common usage, widely understood
General Brazilian
miserável
emphasizes miserable condition
Portugal
patético
standard usage in European Portuguese
Portugal
lastimável
more formal, emphasizing deserving of pity

Related Idioms & Phrases

pitiful excuse - desculpa patética/fraca
a pitiful sight - um espetáculo lamentável
pitiful attempt - uma tentativa patética
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