alas

1 of 2

interjection

ə-ˈlas How to pronounce alas (audio)
Synonyms of alasnext
—used to express unhappiness, pity, or concern
Life, alas, is too short.

Alas

2 of 2

abbreviation

Alaska

Synonyms of alas

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Interjection

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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
What remains — what seems, alas, less obsolete — is the hate. — Vivian Yee, New York Times, 20 June 2026 The final day of June is here, alas, and the best month of the year is almost at an end. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 Raya’s father intended to use the stone to reunite the kingdom’s five tribes but, alas, he gets turned to stone instead. — Lincee Ray, Entertainment Weekly, 25 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

Rhymes for alas

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Browse Nearby Words

alary
alas
Alas
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Cite this Entry

“Alas.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alas. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

alas

interjection
ə-ˈlas How to pronounce alas (audio)
—used to express unhappiness, pity, or concern

More from Merriam-Webster on alas

Nglish: Translation of alas for Spanish Speakers

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