ENGLISH
REFERENCE

alas

n.
C1 Advanced US //əˈɫæs// UK //ɐlˈæs// alas

n. a word used to show that you are sad or sorry about something. It is a formal way to say 'unfortunately'.

n. an exclamation expressing grief, pity, or regret. Used primarily in literary or formal contexts to signal a disappointing outcome.


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.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

Typically functions as a sentence adverb or parenthetical expression, often set off by commas.

Pitfall

It is a big alas that he failed.Alas, he failed.Alas is an interjection, not a noun; it cannot be used with articles like 'a' or 'the'.

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