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
But alas, if your taste buds simply yearn for a change of pace, the styles below still offer the texture and complexity found in the best amber wines around the world. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 31 Dec. 2025 For alas, Ann Lee isn’t your run-of-the-mill biopic. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 29 Dec. 2025 This book should be sent to the White House, and to our earnest Attorney General, and to everyone in this country able to read—which may, however, alas, be a most despairing statement. Literary Hub, 22 Dec. 2025 But what happens when such a bold film flops, both critically and commercially, as Jarmusch’s, alas, did? Richard Brody, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025 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 12 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

alas

interjection
used to express unhappiness, pity, or concern

More from Merriam-Webster on alas

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