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

Explanation

Alas is another way to emphatically say “unfortunately.” Perhaps you meant to finish up all your homework last night, but alas, your favorite television show wound up getting your undivided attention instead. Letting out a breathy alas in the middle of your sentence may sound dramatic or old fashioned, but it's actually an excellent way to emphasize extreme bewilderment, regret, concern, or woe. Once an expression of weariness rather than grief, alas stems from the Latin lassus, meaning “tired, weary.” Exclaimed Lord Byron, the English poet, “Alas! The love of women! It is known to be a lovely and fearful thing!”

Example Sentences

They show only what markets did during the period studied — so, alas, there are no perfect guarantees.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

All of which leaves me sounding, alas, like a broken record.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 11, 2026

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 • Feb. 19, 2026

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

From Salon • Feb. 6, 2026

Fifteen of my men I lost, and twelve horses alas!

From "The Two Towers" by J. R. R. Tolkien