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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Interjection
Like the catchphrase to the Wide World of Sports broadcast that first enthralled Hunt with the World Cup, this was the essence of the thrill of victory contrasting, alas, with the agony of defeat. Kansas City Star, 21 June 2026 What remains — what seems, alas, less obsolete — is the hate. Vivian Yee, New York Times, 20 June 2026 The lower, historic floors of the hotel house elegant rooms (with limited views and non-opening windows, alas), an Jiva Spa, and a fitness center with an indoor lap pool (the hotel’s sole pool). Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 June 2026 That fad, alas, had run its course, and the Bicentennial Pet Rock flopped. ABC News, 13 June 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 29 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

alas

interjection
used to express unhappiness, pity, or concern

More from Merriam-Webster on alas

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster