Causing sympathy or discomfort when seen or heard; looks pitiable or distressing (often because of injury, suffering, or an embarrassing situation).
転んで膝をすりむいた子どもの姿が痛々しかった。
The child who fell and scraped his knee looked pitiful.
事故現場の写真はあまりにも痛々しく、テレビでも一部しか放送されなかった。
The photos of the accident scene were so distressing that only parts were shown on TV.
謝罪の言葉が痛々しくて、聞いている側もつらくなった。
The apology sounded so pathetic that it was painful for listeners to hear.
古い家の傷んだ外観は遠目にも痛々しい。
The dilapidated exterior of the old house looked painful even from a distance.