How to Pronounce Alas

To pronounce "alas", say AL-as — 2 syllables, IPA /ɘˈlɛs/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

alas

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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2

Syllables

4

Letters

/ɘˈlɛs/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “alas”

"alas" has 2 syllables: al-as. It rhymes with ass and pass, if that helps it stick.

What does alas mean?

interjection

  1. Used to express sorrow, regret, compassion or grief.

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

Synonyms

alack

Hear “alas” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with alas

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

asspassimpassebrasscrassmassmorassjackassclasssurpasslastharass

Related words

regrettablyunfortunatelyunluckilywingsachpainfullyalreadywow

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "alas"?▾

"Alas" has 2 syllables: al · as.

What is the IPA transcription of "alas"?▾

The IPA transcription of "alas" is /ɘˈlɛs/.

What does "alas" mean?▾

Alas: Used to express sorrow, regret, compassion or grief.

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