it is pitiful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is pitiful" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a sense of sympathy or disappointment regarding a situation or condition. Example: "The state of the abandoned park is truly disheartening; it is pitiful to see such neglect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Possibly, but there is now something so profoundly sluggish in its gait that it is pitiful.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is pitiful that my generation has not preserved the harmonious inter-faith co-existence they inherited.

The Guardian - Opinion

Her voice is somehow young and ancient, chill and yearning – the effect is as terrifying as it is pitiful.

The Guardian

In response to Mr. Reich's comment, the committee chairman, Senator Carl Levin, Democrat of Michigan, said that "it is not only feeble enforcement, it is pitiful enforcement".

The New York Times

"As rockers grow older sometimes it is pitiful to see them on stage," said Dave Glicker, owner of the Downtown, a club in Farmingdale where Mr. Snider performed in a scaled-down bar band act called Bent Brother earlier this year.

The New York Times

In a land with such an abundance of quality food, with vast numbers of cookbooks and homes with larger and larger kitchens, it is pitiful that one needs to eat out to get macaroni and cheese, regardless of how good it is.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

It was pitiful, in its way, because the girl thought, as had others in the past, that she was really talking to Alice, was friendly with Alice.

The New Yorker

It's pitiful, really, and as the movie heads toward its emphatically nontriumphant finish, it is impossible not to realize with anguish that all that came before — the pain, the suffering and the compromised ideals — has led to this.

The New York Times

"It's pitiful".

The New York Times

It's pitiful, and it's going to happen again".

The Guardian

"It's pitiful that you have to ask".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is pitiful" to express sincere sympathy or disappointment, reserving it for situations that genuinely evoke such feelings. Avoid overuse to maintain its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "it is pitiful" in situations where a milder expression of disappointment or concern would be more appropriate. Overusing strong language can diminish its effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is pitiful" functions as an evaluative statement, expressing a subjective judgment about a situation or condition. It conveys a sense of sadness, disappointment, or contempt, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

13%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is pitiful" is a grammatically correct expression used to convey disappointment, sympathy, or disapproval. According to Ludwig, it is found in a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media. While not exceedingly common, it effectively communicates a negative evaluation and can evoke emotional responses. When writing, consider the intensity of the phrase and whether a milder alternative would be more appropriate for the context. Although acceptable, overuse can diminish its impact. Alternatives like "it is lamentable" or "it is pathetic" can offer similar meanings with varying degrees of formality or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is lamentable

This alternative provides a more formal and emphatic expression of regret or disappointment.

it is regrettable

This option focuses on the feeling of sorrow or disappointment about a situation.

it is pathetic

This phrase emphasizes the inadequacy or vulnerability of something, often eliciting scorn or contempt.

it is deplorable

This alternative highlights the reprehensible or unacceptable nature of something.

it is shameful

This option emphasizes the disgraceful or dishonorable nature of something.

it is a crying shame

This alternative intensifies the expression of regret and disappointment.

it is unfortunate

This phrase downplays the intensity, suggesting something is simply unlucky or unfavorable.

it is heartbreaking

This phrase emphasizes the emotional pain or distress caused by something.

it is disappointing

This option provides a more general and less intense expression of dissatisfaction.

it is disheartening

This phrase focuses on the loss of morale or enthusiasm caused by something.

FAQs

How can I use "it is pitiful" in a sentence?

You can use "it is pitiful" to express disappointment or sympathy about a situation. For example, "It is pitiful that the project failed after so much effort."

What can I say instead of "it is pitiful"?

You can use alternatives like "it is lamentable", "it is regrettable", or "it is pathetic" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "it is pitiful"?

"It is pitiful" is appropriate when you want to express a strong sense of disappointment, sadness, or sympathy about a particular situation or condition.

Is "it is pitiful" too strong of a phrase to use in professional writing?

While generally acceptable, "it is pitiful" might be considered too emotionally charged for some formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "it is unfortunate" or "it is regrettable" for a more neutral tone.