piti·able \ˈpid.ēəbəl, -itē-\adjective Etymology: Middle English piteable, from Middle French piteable, pitiable, from pité, pitié piety, pity + -able — more at pity : deserving, needing, or arousing pity : pitiful < the pitiable spectacle of a human being in distress — Lyman Bryson > < a pitiable wretch > < a pitiable attempt to be funny > Synonyms:see contemptible