1Feeling pity or sympathy toward someone because of their misfortune or hardship; used as 「気の毒だ」or 「気の毒に思う」.
母は子供が病気だと聞いて、気の毒に思った。
My mother felt sorry when she heard the child was ill.
失業してしまった彼のことを考えると気の毒だ。
It's sad to think about him losing his job.
地震で家を失った人たちは本当に気の毒だ。
The people who lost their homes in the earthquake are truly unfortunate.
2Expresses a feeling of regret or being sorry toward someone; also used with 「気の毒ですが」to soften a refusal or deliver unwelcome news.
気の毒ですが、規則なのでご返金できません。
I'm sorry, but it's the rule, so we can't issue a refund.
彼が遅刻したのは気の毒だが、試験は時間通りに始める。
It's unfortunate that he was late, but the exam will start on time.
その不注意で事故が起きたのは気の毒だ。
It's regrettable that the accident happened because of that carelessness.