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.

If you do have to make the tragic decision to put Otis down, that will be another cost.

From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026

He said it is "clear that there were failures in the police response" adding that "there is a lot of learning that needs to be taken from the tragic circumstances surrounding Katie's murder".

From BBC • May 13, 2026

The move, according to lawyer Julie Dahlstrom, would have "quite simply, monumental tragic consequences."

From Barron's • May 10, 2026

That will prove a costly and tragic mistake.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

With each story, the painting grew more significant, the loss more tragic.

From "The Mona Lisa Vanishes" by Nicholas Day

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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