Alas

A word expressing grief, concern, pity, or regret. It is typically used to preface an unfortunate statement or to express sorrow over a loss or a negative situation. Often employed in formal or literary contexts, 'alas' adds a tone of solemnity and sometimes resignation. The emotion conveyed by 'alas' can range from mild disappointment to deep sadness, depending on the context of its use. Its archaic nature also provides an air of formality, and can heighten the sense of tragedy or the weight of the bad news being relayed.

Alas meaning with examples

• Alas, the ship sank during the storm, and many lives were lost. The news filled the village with grief. It highlighted the precariousness of their livelihood and brought a heavy sense of communal loss, reminding them of the power of nature. The sorrow was overwhelming, a stark reminder of the cruel unpredictability of the sea.
• Alas, all my efforts were in vain. I had spent weeks preparing, only to fail at the last moment, causing great disappointment and a heavy heart. The competition proved too strong for my talents. Despite my best preparations, the final result was disheartening. The weight of this disappointment was made stronger still by the many hours spent.
• Alas, the kingdom fell to ruin. The king's mistakes led to war, famine, and widespread suffering. The stories of the destruction were etched in the annals of history. The echoes of past grandeur were shattered and replaced by the stark reality of desolation. The loss was a tragedy.
• Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio,” Hamlet said. He remembered happier days. Now, all that was left were his memories, and a sense of mortality. The loss made Hamlet feel even more melancholic and philosophical and heightened his contemplation of life and death, a stark reminder of human fragility.