alas

a-las · interjection

imported

Definitions

interjection

  1. 1.

    An exclamation expressing grief, pity, regret, or concern.

  2. 2.

    Used to express sorrow or disappointment about something.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    alas and alack — An emphatic expression of sorrow (archaic).

Related words

Antonyms: fortunately, happily
See also: sadly, unfortunately
Synonyms: regrettably, sadly, unfortunately

Etymology

From Old French hélas, from hé (exclamation) + las ("wretched, weary"), from Latin lassus ("weary, tired"). The word has been used in English since the 13th century and is now considered somewhat literary or archaic.