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alas

UKuh-LAS/əˈlæs/uh-LAHS/əˈlɑːs/

2 meanings of alas

Practice

  1. 1
    interjection
    Used to show sadness, regret, or disappointment about something.

    Like a sad sigh turned into a word.

    Alas, we arrived too late to save the old oak tree.

    We had hoped to win the prize, but alas, another team beat us.

    Similaralack

    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 2
    noun
    A low hollow in the ground that forms when frozen soil melts and sinks.

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Origin

It came from Old French 'a las', made from 'a' (ah) and 'las', which came from Latin 'lassus' meaning 'weary'.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 3 facts