alas
3 synonyms for alas, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Interjection — Used to express sadness, regret, or disappointment about something.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use alas
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
alas, poor
but alas
Somewhat formal or literary, often used with gentle irony in everyday speech.
Etymology
From Old French a las, from a ("ah") plus las ("weary"), from Latin lassus ("tired").
Full origin of alas →Frequently asked questions
What does “alas” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “alas”?
“Alas” is pronounced uh-LAS (/əˈlæs/ in IPA).
How do you use “alas” in a sentence?
Here is “alas” used in a sentence: “Alas, the concert was cancelled due to rain.”
What part of speech is “alas”?
“Alas” is an interjection.
Where does the word “alas” come from?
The word “alas” comes from Latin. From Old French a las, from a ("ah") plus las ("weary"), from Latin lassus ("tired").
Is “alas” a common word?
“Alas” is an uncommon word in modern English.
Is "alas" formal or old-fashioned?
"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.
What is the difference between "alas" and "unfortunately"?
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.
How is "alas" typically punctuated in 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.
