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.

Absent a more competent response than we have seen, the outcome could be tragic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

It’s a visually stunning, wildly propulsive and tragic thriller that’s worth a watch.

From MarketWatch • May 31, 2026

A campaign that started with the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and saw Liverpool engulfed with injuries ended with the team losing 19 games across all competitions.

From BBC • May 30, 2026

Ribeiro’s father never spoke about the difficult moments in his life as an immigrant in a tragic manner.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

She traced her fingers over the sock and buskin masks—one sad, tragic face and one happy, comedic one—waiting for the door to open.

From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton

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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