# alas

/əˈɫæs/ (US) · /ɐlˈæs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/alas
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. expressing regret

interjection · CEFR C1 · Literary · Formal

you use this word to show you are sorry or sad about a situation.

For teachers: used to express sorrow, regret, or disappointment. It is often used to introduce a statement about something that cannot be changed.

- I wanted to join the trip but, alas, I have too much work to do.
- The local library was once the heart of the village; alas, it was closed last year due to a lack of funding.

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.

## 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.