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.

Gavalas is the latest example of an AI-chatbot user spiraling into a delusional state, with tragic consequences.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

"All of his friends said he was the light, the leader. His friends' parents loved him. This is why it's so tragic," he said.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

NCA deputy director Craig Turner said: "Working with colleagues at home and abroad, we are determined to do all we can to identify and bring to justice those responsible for these four tragic deaths."

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

"The situation is tragic," town notable Joseph Attieh told AFP by phone.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

If his parents had never had a tragic accident, then who knows what kind of person he’d be.

From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova

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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