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

“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.”

From Washington Times

However, in a twist of tragic irony, as food insecurity now spikes and Americans are again turning to the drive-thru for relatively affordable meals — many of the workers who are cooking and serving that food are in the midst of major strikes because they allege that their current wages don't cover cost of living.

From Salon

Dharap adds that the product, “through tragic irony,” has perpetuated the very addiction it seeks to avoid.

From Los Angeles Times

Nahran Omar highlights a tragic irony: The natural gas burned from the oil fields, if captured, could solve Iraq’s perennial electricity shortages and reduce pollution.

From Seattle Times

Nahran Omar highlights a tragic irony: The natural gas burned from the oil fields, if captured, could solve Iraq’s perennial electricity shortages and reduce pollution.

From Washington Times