Origin: 1400–50; late ME;
see pity, -ful 
Related forms: pit⋅i⋅ful⋅ly, adverb
pit⋅i⋅ful⋅ness, noun
Synonyms:
1. lamentable, deplorable, woeful, pathetic. 1, 2. Pitiful, pitiable, piteous apply to that which excites pity (with compassion or with contempt). That which is pitiful is touching and excites pity or is mean and contemptible: a pitiful leper; a pitiful exhibition of cowardice. Pitiable may mean lamentable, or wretched and paltry: a pitiable hovel. Piteous refers only to that which exhibits suffering and misery, and is therefore heart-rending: piteous poverty. 2. deplorable, mean, low, base, vile, despicable.
Antonyms:
1. delightful. 2. honorable.
[pit-i-fuh