pitiable lot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pitiable lot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of people or individuals who are in a sad or unfortunate situation, evoking sympathy or compassion. Example: "The refugees were a pitiable lot, struggling to find shelter and food in the harsh winter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The sandwich generation is getting stale.But, Bagehot submits, the most pitiable lot of all those most worthy of fellow passengers' sympathy on the plane, though they are unlikely to get it may be professional parents in their late 30s.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

When it comes to healthcare, the United States is a pitiable mess.

Los Angeles Times

Pitiable or potent?

The New York Times

We are pitiable.

The New York Times - Magazine

The pitiable African woman.

The Guardian

Can anything be more pitiable?

The New Yorker

She is pitiable and vulnerable.

The Guardian - Books

He is not pitiable but silently resourceful.

The New Yorker

She is funny, disagreeable and pitiable.

The Guardian

But many have a pitiable quality for their neglect.

The New York Times

He is brutish and powerful, but also pitiable.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pitiable lot", ensure the context clearly establishes the reasons for sympathy or the unfortunate circumstances of the group being described.

Common error

Avoid using "pitiable lot" in situations where the tone should be light or humorous, as it carries a strong sense of sadness and misfortune.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pitiable lot" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes a group or collection of people as deserving of pity. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pitiable lot" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe a group of people who evoke feelings of sympathy due to their unfortunate circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is appropriate for use. While primarily found in news and media contexts, it's crucial to consider the tone and register when using it, avoiding overuse in light-hearted situations. Alternatives like "wretched lot" or "unfortunate group" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, it's vital to ensure the context clearly establishes the basis for the sympathy intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wretched lot

Replaces "pitiable" with "wretched", intensifying the negative condition.

unfortunate group

Substitutes "pitiable" with "unfortunate" and "lot" with "group", softening the emotional impact.

miserable crowd

Replaces "pitiable" with "miserable" and "lot" with "crowd", focusing on the group's unhappiness.

pathetic bunch

Uses "pathetic" instead of "pitiable" and "bunch" for "lot", conveying a sense of inadequacy.

sad collection

Replaces "pitiable" with "sad" and "lot" with "collection", emphasizing sorrow.

deplorable set

Substitutes "pitiable" with "deplorable" and "lot" with "set", indicating disapproval and sadness.

tragic case

Focuses on a single "case" rather than a "lot", implying individual misfortune.

sorry state

Replaces the entire phrase with "sorry state", referring to the overall condition instead of the people.

ill-fated group

Uses "ill-fated" to describe the group, suggesting a predetermined unfortunate destiny.

unhappy gathering

Replaces "pitiable" with "unhappy" and "lot" with "gathering", focusing on the lack of joy in the group.

FAQs

How can I use "pitiable lot" in a sentence?

You can use "pitiable lot" to describe a group of people in a condition that evokes sympathy, such as, "The refugees were a "pitiable lot", struggling to find shelter."

What's a good substitute for "pitiable lot"?

Alternatives include "wretched lot", "unfortunate group", or "miserable crowd", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "pitiable lot" formal or informal?

"Pitiable lot" leans towards a neutral to slightly formal register. While understandable in most contexts, it's more commonly found in news reporting or descriptive writing than in casual conversation.

What does "pitiable lot" mean?

"Pitiable lot" describes a group of individuals whose circumstances are so unfortunate that they inspire feelings of pity or compassion.