What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pitiful
Example
The abandoned puppy looked pitiful in the rain. [pitiful: adjective]
Example
It was a pitiful attempt at a joke. [pitiful: adjective]
Example
She lived in pitiful conditions with no running water or electricity. [pitiful: adjective]
poor
Example
The poor family could not afford to buy new clothes. [poor: adjective]
Example
The restaurant received poor reviews for its food. [poor: adjective]
Example
The poor weather conditions made it difficult to travel. [poor: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Poor is more commonly used than pitiful in everyday language. Poor is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while pitiful is less common and refers to a specific type of negative situation or condition.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between pitiful and poor?
Both pitiful and poor are relatively informal words, but poor is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while pitiful is more limited in its usage and is typically associated with a casual and informal tone.
