Which term best describes something that is completely pitiful or hopeless?

The term "forlorn" is used to describe a state of deep sadness or desolation, often reflecting a sense of abandonment or hopelessness. It conveys the idea of being in a situation that feels utterly bleak and pitiful, where there is little to no expectation of improvement or relief. The emotional weight of "forlorn" captures that sense of despair effectively, making it the most appropriate choice for describing something that is completely pitiful or hopeless.

In contrast, "futile" typically refers to actions or efforts that are useless or ineffective, lacking in purpose or success, which may relate to a situation but does not inherently express an emotional state of hopelessness. "Meager" signifies something that is deficient in quality or quantity, indicating insufficiency rather than hopelessness. "Obfuscates" refers to making something unclear or obscure, which does not align with a sense of desolation but rather focuses on confusion.

Thus, "forlorn" stands out as the best descriptor for something that embodies complete pitifulness or hopelessness, encapsulating the depth of despair associated with such situations.