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
The lieutenant, alas, offered some contrary information. D. T. Max, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025 The coach who turned 100 last month perhaps is best known for guiding Buffalo to four straight Super Bowls and, alas, losing all four. Kansas City Star, 12 Sep. 2025 But alas, the March 2005 issue had me on the inside of a pullout cover to fulfill their legal obligation. Mark Gray, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025 That fits the bill — but, alas. Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 28 Aug. 2025 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 21 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

alas

interjection
used to express unhappiness, pity, or concern

More from Merriam-Webster on alas

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