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
Our picks are based on first-hand experience testing in the field on real trips (alas, we don't get paid to tromp around the wilderness). Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 22 Nov. 2024 Lots of stories about guidance not being good enough, which is, alas, untrue, too. Jim Cramer, CNBC, 21 Nov. 2024 But, alas, things in Glocca Morra are not all fine. Heller McAlpin, The Christian Science Monitor, 19 Nov. 2024 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 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 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

alas

interjection
used to express unhappiness, pity, or concern

More from Merriam-Webster on alas

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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