tragic

[traj-ik] / ˈtrædʒ ɪk /

ADJECTIVE

catastrophic, very bad

Synonyms

STRONGEST

appalling awful calamitous cataclysmic deadly deplorable destructive dire disastrous dreadful fatal fateful grievous grim harrowing heartbreaking miserable painful pathetic pitiful sad shocking terrible unfortunate

WEAK

adverse anguished crushing deathly desolate doleful forlorn hapless heart-rending ill-fated ill-starred lamentable mournful pitiable ruinous sorrowful unhappy woeful wretched

Antonyms

STRONGEST

blessed calming cheerful comforting delightful encouraging excellent fortunate good great happy harmless healthful healthy hopeful joyful joyous life-giving lucky nice pleasant pleasing trivial unimportant wholesome wonderful worthwhile

WEAK

advantageous successful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This tragic arc is correct in outline, and Mr. Stuttard moves the story along with flair.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Orla Wates, following her tragic death in Vietnam."

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

"The situation is tragic," town notable Joseph Attieh told AFP by phone.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

At one point near the play’s tragic climax, Willy is feverishly planting seeds in the backyard, but Elliott gives no credibility to any of his character’s actions.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

The truth is that the future would arrive with its own surprises—some joyous, some unspeakably tragic.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Vocabulary lists containing tragic

Unit 1: Telling Details

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The Tale of Despereaux

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The Wednesday Wars

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