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
So many others around the world did—and, alas, do. Literary Hub, 26 May 2026 The latter, alas, doesn’t seem to get talked about much anymore, perhaps all the less so in the Name, Image and Likeness era — in which players increasingly seem more to be employees than student-athletes. Kansas City Star, 24 May 2026 But alas, that’s not what happened. Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 21 May 2026 Noem’s husband’s balloon boobs mentioned but not depicted, alas. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 17 May 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 10 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

alas

interjection
used to express unhappiness, pity, or concern

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