What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pitiable
Example
The pitiable sight of the homeless man sleeping on the street corner broke my heart. [pitiable: adjective]
Example
It's pitiable that so many children in this country go hungry every day. [pitiable: adjective]
miserable
Example
After her breakup, she felt miserable and couldn't stop crying. [miserable: adjective]
Example
I had a miserable time at the party because I didn't know anyone there. [miserable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Miserable is more commonly used than pitiable in everyday language. Miserable is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while pitiable is less common and may be considered more formal or literary.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pitiable and miserable?
Pitiable is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone, while miserable is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.