From another man, the words might have sounded pitiful or pleading.

Bean knew that he shouldn't try to sound pitiful.

Instead, he should sound like a pitiful kid who was trying really hard *not* to sound pitiful.

A letter like mine can't help sounding pitiful, but I am an old man and do not much worry about that.

He almost sounded pitiful, but the last thing a genius mind with the power to alter the space-time continuum deserved was pity.

I know this sounds pitiful but it's important for someone to accept and like me for who I am as a person.

Death by disease, cold and starvation sounds pitiful, but it's nature's way of culling the herd.

I know you sound pitiful, but that's the way you look to me.

He said, "Oh, God," but the words sounded empty and pitiful.

The reports sounded sharp and rather pitiful against the towering roar from outside.