pity
n. C / Un. a feeling of sadness for someone who is suffering or in a bad situation. It can also describe a situation that is disappointing or unfortunate.
n. a feeling of sorrow and compassion caused by the misfortunes of others; alternatively, a cause for regret or disappointment.
I felt a great deal of pity for the lost dog.
It is a real pity that the outdoor concert was cancelled due to the heavy rain.
While some view his charity as a noble gesture, others argue it is rooted in a condescending sense of pity rather than a genuine desire for systemic change.
From Middle English pitye, pitie, pittye, pitee, pite, from Anglo-Norman pité, pittee etc., from Old French pitet, pitié, from Latin pietās. See also the doublets pietà and piety.
Often used in the singular with 'a' ('a pity') to express disappointment about a situation. When referring to the emotion, it is typically uncountable.
It is pity that you cannot come.It is a pity that you cannot come.When used to mean 'a shame' or 'unfortunate', the noun requires the indefinite article 'a'.