interjection
alas
uh-LAS
interjection
1
Used to express sadness, regret, or disappointment about something.
"Alas, the concert was cancelled due to rain."
"We searched for hours, but alas, the ring was gone."
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
Word Forms
alases plural, alasses plural
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_____, the concert was cancelled due to rain.
Etymology
From Old French a las, from a ("ah") plus las ("weary"), from Latin lassus ("tired").