alas
UKuh-LAS/əˈlæs/uh-LAHS/əˈlɑːs/
- 1Expressing grief or sorrow, pity, regret, disappointment, or resigned acceptance.
Alas, the funding ran out before the project could be finished.
She searched the shelf for the lost letter but, alas, it was gone.
Similaralack
Note
In a sentence it is usually set off by commas, often right after but, where it marks a turn for the worse. Doubled, as in the King James Bible of 1611 ("Alas, alas, that great citie"), it becomes full lament.
Checked 2 Nov 2026 · 2 facts
- The King James Bible was first published in 1611. gruber.lstc.edu
- The 1611 King James Bible contains the quoted wording. en.wiktionary.org
Less common meaning
- 2A geological depression found in Yakutia, formed when permafrost subsides and the ground surface sinks.
Showing meanings only.
Use it in a sentence
Write your own sentence with alas, and AI will tell you whether it fits and which meaning you used.
Origin
It comes from Middle English 'alas', from Old French 'a las' (modern French 'hélas'), formed from 'a' ("ah") plus 'las', which derives from Latin 'lassus' ("weary").
Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 4 facts
- English 'alas' comes from Middle English 'alas', from Old French 'a las'. en.wiktionary.org
- The corresponding modern French form is 'hélas'. en.wiktionary.org
- Old French 'a las' combines 'a', meaning 'ah', and 'las'. en.wiktionary.org
- 'Las' derives from Latin 'lassus', meaning 'weary'. en.wiktionary.org