What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pitiful
Example
The pitiful sight of the homeless man sleeping on the street corner broke my heart. [pitiful: adjective]
Example
It's pitiful how little effort he put into his work. [pitiful: adjective]
miserable
Example
I felt miserable after getting the flu. [miserable: adjective]
Example
She's been in a miserable mood all day. [miserable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Miserable is more commonly used than pitiful in everyday language. Miserable is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while pitiful is less common and is often used in more formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pitiful and miserable?
Pitiful is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone, while miserable is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
