tragic irony

noun

1. dramatic irony in tragic drama.

tragic irony

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of tragic irony¹

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

Felix Salmon, Elizabeth Spiers, and Emily Peck discuss the mechanics of the scam, the fallout for the many parties involved, and the tragic irony that a program meant to teach teen financial literacy led them straight into a harsh real world lesson.

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The tragic irony that it took the move to end-of-life care to get them more joined-up help is not lost on Sue, but she says it is still not enough to provide the level of support he really needs.

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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.

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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.

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“And tragic irony is not even the right phrase, but to have them come stay with me for Thanksgiving and have something like this happen speaks to the level of civic vitriol, speaks to the level of hatred that exists in some corners of this of this country. It speaks to a sickness of gun violence that exists in this country.”

Read more on Washington Times