alas

1 of 2

interjection

Synonyms of alasnext
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 weather, alas, failed to improve out on the water. Laura Moser, Travel + Leisure, 11 May 2026 Perhaps, alas, even quite significant ones. Kansas City Star, 9 May 2026 But alas, Hazina outlasted even her most devoted fan. Audrey Pachuta, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026 As the video demonstrates, von Ensingen’s drawing (not in the show, alas) collapses all the levels, complete with stairs, setbacks, vaults, and columns, onto a single plane. Justin Davidson, Curbed, 23 Apr. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Alas.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alas. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

alas

interjection
used to express unhappiness, pity, or concern

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