alas

1 of 2

interjection

ə-ˈlas 

—used to express unhappiness, pity, or concern

Life, alas, is too short.

Alas

2 of 2

abbreviation

Alaska

Synonyms

Interjection

• boo
• alack
• woe
• rats
• ay
• aw

Examples of alas in a Sentence

Interjection

Juliet's pitiful lament, “alas, poor Romeo, he is already dead!”.

Recent Examples on the Web

Interjection

Vertical malls may, alas, be a thing of the past, but 500,000 square feet is a formidable chunk of real estate in what once was one of the most exciting and aspirational blocks in the Midwest. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 2 July 2025

This would've been a perfect opportunity to stargaze during the serene set, alas the stars were snuffed out by the muddy blanket of light pollution. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

Alamo Drafthouse’s San Francisco movie party is, alas, sold out. —Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 18 June 2025

But alas, the Thunder deployed a tactic that has become popular across the league – intentionally fouling up three points to avoid giving their opponent a chance to launch a potential game-tying shot – which turned what should have been an incredible ending into a snooze fest. —Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025

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

Rhymes for alas

• amass
• bromegrass
• bypass
• chagas
• crabgrass
• crevasse
• eelgrass
• eyeglass
• groundmass
• harass
• impasse
• jackass

Kids Definition

alas

interjection

ə-ˈlas 

—used to express unhappiness, pity, or concern