interjection
Uncommon
alas
uh-LAS
Alas (interjection) means used to express sadness, regret, or disappointment about something. Example: “Alas, the concert was cancelled due to rain.”
interjection
1
Used to express sadness, regret, or disappointment about something.
"I wanted to catch the last bus home, but alas, I was ten minutes late and had to take a taxi instead."
"Alas, the concert was cancelled due to rain."
"We searched for hours, but alas, the ring was gone."
"Alas, I could not come to your party because my train was delayed."
How to use alas
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA slightly old-fashioned but still-common way of saying "unfortunately" or "sadly" before delivering bad or disappointing news.
When to use it
Somewhat formal or literary, often used with gentle irony in everyday speech.
Common pairings
alas, poor
but alas
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Word forms
- Plural
- alases, alasses
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____, the concert was cancelled due to rain.
Etymology
From Old French a las, from a ("ah") plus las ("weary"), from Latin lassus ("tired").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for alas
See all rhymes for 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.
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