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.

Part-sculpted work and marble block, each has a tragic aspect to it, recalling John Greenleaf Whittier’s forlorn observation: “For of all sad words of tongue or pen, The saddest are these: ‘It might have been!’

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

Villarreal: This one doesn’t have a tragic ending, and that’s why I want it.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026

Judge Richard Marks KC described Mr Hayayei's death as "tragic, untimely and wholly avoidable."

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • May 31, 2026

The truth is that the future would arrive with its own surprises—some joyous, some unspeakably tragic.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

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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