alas

¹ American  

[uh-las, uh-lahs] / əˈlæs, əˈlɑs /

interjection

1. (used as an exclamation to express sorrow, grief, pity, concern, or apprehension of evil.)

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Alas. ² American  

abbreviation

1. Alaska.

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alas ¹ British  

/ əˈlæs /

1. unfortunately; regrettably

   there were, alas, none left

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interjection

1. an exclamation of grief, compassion, or alarm

Alas. ² British  

abbreviation

1. Alaska

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Etymology

Origin of alas

1225–75; Middle English < Old French ( h ) a las!, equivalent to ( h ) a ah + las wretched < Latin lassus weary; alack

Example Sentences

We rushed into the decision giddy about the project, thrilled to have outflanked our competition at Universal Studios and, alas, oblivious to the potential ramifications.

From The Wall Street Journal

But alas, Minute Maid is saying goodbye to all that, and thanks for the memories.

From Salon

The renovations cost hundreds of millions of dollars more than projected, which alas is all too typical for a government building project.

From The Wall Street Journal

His return of about 2,000% won him the competition but, alas, no prize money.

From The Wall Street Journal

Too much of it, alas, is spent recalling now dead or sadly debilitated family and friends.

From The Wall Street Journal