single word for "inspiring/deserving of sympathy"

eg.

Because he hadn't done much of the homework, his confusion wasn't very deserving of sympathy.

That character was always so cruel, his death didn't inspire any sympathy.

Anyone know one word that can be substituted in there? Thanks!

Solution 1:

Perhaps

Pitiable
adjective
1. deserving or arousing pity.
(Google)

"Because he hadn't done much of the homework, his confusion wasn't very pitiable."

"That character was always so cruel, his death wasn't pitiable."

Solution 2:

Heartbreaking:

adjective

Causing overwhelming distress; very upsetting:
_ODO

Because he hadn't done much of the homework, his confusion wasn't very heartbreaking.