alack

[ uh-lak ]

interjection

, Archaic.

1. (used as an exclamation of sorrow, regret, or dismay.)

alack

/ əˈlæk; əˈlækəˌdeɪ /

interjection

1. an archaic or poetic word for alas

Word History and Origins

Origin of alack¹

Presumably ah + lack. aha, ahem, alas

Word History and Origins

Origin of alack¹

C15: from a ah! + lack loss, lack

Example Sentences

That’s not to promote mediocrity, or alack of drive, but perhaps not always pushing to be the best will allow us to fully engage in what we’re learning and with the life around us.

From Washington Times

From his hospital bed, he told a friend that “if that was the last lecture I give, I’m glad it was on the important semantic differences between ‘alas’ and ‘alack’.”

From Economist

But highlighting alack of laws targeting bad landlords, none of the criminal charges related to Mr. Croman’s treatment of tenants.

From New York Times

Oxford I sing, though in untutored tones, alack!

From BBC

If I had believed my love and the sweet words he said to me, alack, alack, I should be wedded now.

From Project Gutenberg