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.

Even after things take a turn with the tragic accident, it’s clear that their sisterly bond remains strong.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 24, 2026

He announced "the tragic loss of 13 lives of our people who hold Indian and Pakistani nationalities. 66 people have been reported injured and are receiving medical treatment, none of whom are in life-threatening condition".

From Barron's • Jun. 22, 2026

There are of course acute and tragic cases, but broadly, she says the evidence for large populations links social media use to only a small decrease in mental health.

From BBC • Jun. 20, 2026

It embodies the same tragic idealism of the Enlightenment, the same striving for perfection in an imperfect world, that informed the American founding.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 19, 2026

Despite the tragic sinking, the Mary Rose and its crew were the only casualties of the invasion.

From "Shipwrecked!" by Martin W. Sandler

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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