English · Word Candidate

alas

/əˈlæs/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: alases · alasses

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Used to express sorrow, regret, compassion, grief, resignation, or disappointment.

Interjection

I wanted to catch the last bus home, but alas, I was ten minutes late and had to take a taxi instead.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

A type of geological depression which occurs in Yakutia, formed by the subsidence of permafrost.

Noun

Alternative forms: alass, alaas

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “alas” mean?

Used to express sorrow, regret, compassion, grief, resignation, or disappointment.

Is “alas” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.