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.

"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

"Our thoughts continue to be with the child's family following this tragic and distressing incident," she said.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

And despite numerous setbacks, including tragic accidents, the country has often been able to stay at the forefront of flight.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

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

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

Despite the tragic sinking, the Mary Rose and its crew were the only casualties of the invasion.

From "Shipwrecked!" by Martin W. Sandler

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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