Word
alas
US/əˈɫæs/
UK/ɐlˈæs/
Definition
interj. you use this word to show you are sorry or sad about a situation.
interj. used to express sorrow, regret, or disappointment. It is often used to introduce a statement about something that cannot be changed.
Examples
“I wanted to go, but alas, I have too much work.”
“The team played their best game of the season, but alas, they lost in the final minute.”
“He had hoped to reconcile with his estranged brother before the end of the year, but alas, circumstances conspired to keep them apart for another winter.”
Examples
simple
“I wanted to go, but alas, I have too much work.”
contextual
“The team played their best game of the season, but alas, they lost in the final minute.”
complex
“He had hoped to reconcile with his estranged brother before the end of the year, but alas, circumstances conspired to keep them apart for another winter.”
Usage
Usually set off by commas when it appears in the middle of a sentence.
Teaching tip
This word sounds very old-fashioned or dramatic in everyday speech. In modern conversation, people usually say 'unfortunately' instead.
Real-World Examples
“Alas, she had him die in the War, and this is not the kind of saga where he can come back to life played by a different actor.” “Alas, Giuliani’s interview with the Athletic didn’t take place at Four Seasons Total Landscaping .” Synonyms
Antonyms
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/alas