—used to express unhappiness, pity, or concern
Life, alas, is too short.
Examples of alas in a Sentence
Interjection
Juliet's pitiful lament, “alas, poor Romeo, he is already dead!”.
Recent Examples on the Web
The Athletic, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026
Three of the finest films of 2025 received just two nominations apiece—none of them, alas, for Best Picture.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2026
Stellar occultations are, alas, difficult to observe — they can only be seen from random narrow tracks across the surface of the Earth.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 10 Mar. 2026
There was a tumultuous battle between the combatants but alas, the giant scorpion fatally bit Artemis’ boyfriend.
—Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for alas
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Interjection
But, alas, one club has to win every year.
—The Athletic, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026
Three of the finest films of 2025 received just two nominations apiece—none of them, alas, for Best Picture.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2026
Stellar occultations are, alas, difficult to observe — they can only be seen from random narrow tracks across the surface of the Earth.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 10 Mar. 2026
There was a tumultuous battle between the combatants but alas, the giant scorpion fatally bit Artemis’ boyfriend.
—Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for alas
Cite this Entry
“Alas.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alas. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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alas
interjection
—used to express unhappiness, pity, or concern
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