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
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
The fraternity brothers, alas, aren’t exactly on the same athletic level as White, who was one of the country’s best up-and-coming cyclists at the time of his death. Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 7 Nov. 2024 Still, alas, in matters of food there’s no universal guarantee. Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2024 Cortes threw another fastball, but, alas, lower this time. Nicholas Dawidoff, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2024 But, alas, the show is sticking to its decision to bypass the 28-year tradition of elaborate Halloween costumes that has proven so popular with viewers – if not so much the hosts. Greg Evans, Deadline, 25 Oct. 2024 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 1 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

alas

interjection
used to express unhappiness, pity, or concern

More from Merriam-Webster on alas

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