Archaic used to express regret, surprise, dismay, etc.
Origin of alack
a(h) + lackalack
a·lack
interjection
The definition of alack is a word used to express sorrow or regret.
An example of a time that someone might use the word alack is when he is expressing regret for letting the girl of his dreams get away.
YourDictionary definition and usage example. Copyright © 2018 by LoveToKnow Corp
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"alack." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 16 March 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/Alack>.
APA Style
alack. (n.d.). Retrieved March 16th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/Alack
alack
Webster's New World College Dictionary, Fifth Edition Copyright © 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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Cite this page
MLA Style
"alack." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 16 March 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/Alack>.
APA Style
alack. (n.d.). Retrieved March 16th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/Alack
alack
interjection
Used to express sorrow, regret, or alarm: “Whatever I long for makes me cry alack. / Whatever I wish, I quickly take it back” ( Richard Wilbur )
Origin of alack
On the model of alas ; see lack .THE AMERICAN HERITAGE® DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, FIFTH EDITION by the Editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries. Copyright © 2016, 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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Cite this page
MLA Style
"alack." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 16 March 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/Alack>.
APA Style
alack. (n.d.). Retrieved March 16th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/Alack
Interjection
- An expression of sorrow or mourning.
- On a day (alack the day!)
- Love, whose month is ever May,
- Spied a blossom passing fair
- Playing in the wanton air. – Love's Labour's Lost – Shakespeare
English Wiktionary. Available under CC-BY-SA license.
Link to this page
Cite this page
MLA Style
"alack." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 16 March 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/Alack>.
APA Style
alack. (n.d.). Retrieved March 16th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/Alack
