alas

The word “alas” means used to express sadness, regret, or disappointment about something. In plain terms, a slightly old-fashioned but still-common way of saying "unfortunately" or "sadly" before delivering bad or disappointing news.

“Alas” is pronounced uh-LAS (/əˈlæs/ in IPA).

Here is “alas” used in a sentence: “Alas, the concert was cancelled due to rain.”

“Alas” is an interjection.

The word “alas” comes from Latin. From Old French a las, from a ("ah") plus las ("weary"), from Latin lassus ("tired").

“Alas” is an uncommon word in modern English.

"Alas" has a slightly literary or old-fashioned feel and is now used mainly in writing or dramatic speech rather than everyday conversation. It appears often in stories, poetry, and formal or humorous commentary to signal regret.

Both express regret or disappointment, but "alas" is an interjection with a more emotional, wistful tone, while "unfortunately" is a plainer adverb suited to everyday and formal writing alike. "Alas" often stands alone or opens a sentence with dramatic emphasis, whereas "unfortunately" fits smoothly inside a sentence.

"Alas" is usually set off with a comma or exclamation mark, either at the start of a sentence ("Alas, it was too late") or inserted mid-sentence between commas. This punctuation signals its interjection role, separate from the main grammar of the sentence.