pity

6 definitions • 16 examples

a feeling of sadness or sympathy for someone else's unhappiness or difficult situation:

The girl stood gazing in/with pity at the old lion in the cage.

She agreed to go out with him more out of pity than anything.

These people don't want pity, they want practical help.

If something is described as a pity, it is disappointing or not satisfactory:

"Can't you go to the party? Oh, that's (such) a pity."

[ + (that) ] It's a pity (that) children spend so little time outside nowadays.

[ + (that) ] Pity (that) you didn't remember to give me the message.

What a pity you're ill!

"I called the restaurant, but they're closed tonight." "Pity."

We'll have to leave early, more's the pity (= and I am unhappy about it).

The pity was that so few people bothered to come.

to feel sorry for someone, and to do something that shows this:

We took pity on a couple of people waiting in the rain for a bus and gave them a lift.

to feel sadness or sympathy for someone's unhappiness or bad situation:

I pity anyone who's never been in love.

He's deeply unhappy, and more to be pitied than criticized.

I pity you having to put up with her at work!

sympathy and understanding for someone else’s suffering or troubles:

She did not want his pity.

If something is described as a pity, it is a cause for regret:

It’s a pity you can’t come to the party.