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
Andrew Scott also should’ve gotten in for Best Supporting Actor, alas. Erin Neil, New Yorker, 22 Jan. 2026 Denver recovered the ensuing onside kick, but, alas, on the next play, Steve Sewell fumbled the ball back to Buffalo. Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 21 Jan. 2026 Essentially, a defeatist tone was set once Shaheed zoomed through the 49ers on his 95-yard kick return, eluding Chase Lucas, Luke Gifford and, alas, kicker Eddy Piñeiro, who tried to trip Shaheed at the 55-yard line. Cam Inman, Mercury News, 18 Jan. 2026 The same could be said, alas, for the show itself. Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 14 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 4 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

alas

interjection
used to express unhappiness, pity, or concern

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