Definitions

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.

That will prove a costly and tragic mistake.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

Stock was a Peoria, Ariz.-based roofer who was troubled by televised police pursuits “that featured several tragic endings of innocent motorists being injured,” according to his company’s website.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

"We.... note the coroner's conclusion that this was a tragic accident," he said.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

Can astrology be blamed for Linda Goodman’s tragic delusion?

From Slate • May 5, 2026

“Absentee parents, tragic consequences ” I read out loud.

From "The Line Tender" by Kate Allen

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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