WordWeb Online

1. Inspiring mixed contempt and pity
   "pitiful exhibition of cowardice";
   - pathetic, pitiable
    
2. Bad; unfortunate
   "my finances were in a pitiful state";
   - deplorable, distressing, lamentable, sad, sorry
    
3. Deserving or inciting pity
   "a pitiful fate";
   - hapless, miserable, misfortunate, pathetic, piteous, pitiable, poor, wretched

See also: bad, contemptible, unfortunate