alack

[ uh-lak ]

interjectionArchaic.
  1. (used as an exclamation of sorrow, regret, or dismay.)

Origin of alack

1
Presumably ah + lack. Cf. aha, ahem, alas
  • Also a·lack·a·day [uh-lak-uh-dey]. /əˈlæk əˌdeɪ/.

Words Nearby alack

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use alack in a sentence

  • The major part of us had gathered in front of the house to see and hear what was passing; but, alack!

    A Legend of Reading Abbey | Charles MacFarlane

British Dictionary definitions for alack

alack

alackaday (əˈlækəˌdeɪ)

/ (əˈlæk) /


interjection
  1. an archaic or poetic word for alas

Origin of alack

1
C15: from a ah! + lack loss, lack

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012