Synonyms for

Alas

Verb / ʌˈlæs / Another word for alas — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

used to express sadness or disappointment

Synonyms & similar words

unluckily luckily unfortunately regrettably fortunately ala woe regrettably unfortunately sadly dejectedly distressingly mournfully pitifully shamefully disappointingly piteously heartbreakingly woefully lamentably melancholically dolefully grievously plaintively ruefully

Synonyms by register

Informal

oh dear oops whoops darn

Literary

woe hark lo

Antonyms

hooray yay hurrah cheer joy delight excitement

Common collocations

  • alas and alack
  • alas poor
  • alas for
  • alas it is
  • alas that
  • alas the day

Word family

adverb alas

Usage note

Alas is an interjection used to express grief, pity, or concern. It is considered somewhat archaic and is most often encountered in literature or formal speech.

Example sentences

  1. Alas, I missed the bus!
  2. Alas, the ice cream melted.
  3. Alas, the toy broke.
  4. Alas, the balloon popped.
  5. Alas, the game was cancelled.

Quotes

  • Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio.
  • Alas, how easily things go wrong!
  • Alas, how fleeting are all human passions compared with the massive continuity of ducks.

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