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.

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

"Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to his family, and all affected by this tragic loss at this incredibly difficult time."

From BBC • May 27, 2026

“Individual stories of altered and suboptimal miscarriage management emerged quickly in the days following Dobbs, including several overtly tragic examples,” he said.

From Salon • May 26, 2026

The playwrights of Athens dramatized the tragic tales of kings, including Xerxes of Persia, whose overweening ambitions led the rulers to ruin.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 25, 2026

"Aw, ain't it tragic?" he said, peering at my parents.

From "City of the Plague God" by Sarwat Chadda

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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