alas

1 of 2

interjection

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
If the shorts themselves aren’t always memorable, the issues, alas, will remain. Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Feb. 2025 Brave New World, alas, is not a movie anybody would aspire to make, at least in its current condition. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 12 Feb. 2025 Stevenson oozed presidential timber, but, alas, only 46 Americans so far have become our supreme leader. Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2025 The most vital piece, alas for Smith, proved to be Mahomes. Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 8 Feb. 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

Dictionary Entries Near alas

Cite this Entry

“Alas.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alas. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

alas

interjection
used to express unhappiness, pity, or concern

More from Merriam-Webster on alas

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