alas

1 of 2

interjection

Synonyms of alasnext
used to express unhappiness, pity, or concern
Life, alas, is too short.

Alas

2 of 2

abbreviation

Examples of alas in a Sentence

Interjection Juliet's pitiful lament, “alas, poor Romeo, he is already dead!”.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Interjection
Prommegger, alas, didn’t reach the finals, as he was knocked out in the qualifying run by his countryman, Benjamin Karl. Outside, 9 Feb. 2026 Baby, don’t say maybe, but alas. Devon Ivie, Vulture, 9 Feb. 2026 Because that time binds them all together and still holds us all together in some way — including now, alas, in the honor of trying to mourn him together, too. Kansas City Star, 7 Feb. 2026 Someone's grandmother passed down their beloved hall tree but, alas, there wasn't room in the recipient's apartment for it. Heather Bien, Martha Stewart, 31 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for alas

Word History

Etymology

Interjection

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from a ah + las weary, from Latin lassus — more at lassitude

First Known Use

Interjection

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alas was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Alas.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alas. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

alas

interjection
used to express unhappiness, pity, or concern

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