tragic irony

American  

noun

1. dramatic irony in tragic drama.

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tragic irony British  

noun

1. the use of dramatic irony in a tragedy (originally, in Greek tragedy), so that the audience is aware that a character's words or actions will bring about a tragic or fatal result, while the character himself is not

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Etymology

Origin of tragic irony

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

It is a tragic irony that the current anger and frustration at public health stems from a communicable disease response — the basis for our original success.

From Salon • Mar. 6, 2025

Nahran Omar highlights a tragic irony: The natural gas burned from the oil fields, if captured, could solve Iraq’s perennial electricity shortages and reduce pollution.

From Washington Times • Mar. 24, 2023

He said it was a "tragic irony" that she was planning to return to Slovakia at the time of her death.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2021

This is the tragic irony of our current moment: The COVID-19 pandemic is underscoring the critical importance of local news while also decimating it.

From Slate • Apr. 9, 2020

I was haunted by the tragic irony that they felt I was their best hope for help.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson