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

"The tragic irony... that he spent so long in the dangerous front line as a Police Officer and was struck down in retirement while taking photos in his passion role is really hard to comprehend," Randwick Rugby said in a statement.

From Barron's

"The tragic irony is that he spent so long in the dangerous front line as a Police Officer and was struck down in retirement while taking photos in his passion role is really hard to comprehend," the club said.

From BBC

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.

From Slate

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.

From BBC

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