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.

The technology remained locked behind Cold War secrecy until 1983, when the tragic downing of an off-course Korean Air Lines flight prompted President Reagan to open the satellite network for civilian aviation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

"There is still no clarity on how many workers were in the shed or the extent of injuries. It is suspected that extreme heat may have contributed to this tragic incident," Surendran told reporters.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

When the Architectural Digest perfection of her well-heeled and emotionally confident life is shattered by tragic loss, Stacy literally does not know what to do with herself.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

The Arsenal family has lost Kevin Campbell recently too, again in tragic circumstances.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

“Absolutely not. What if there are tragic or scandalous details?”

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

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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