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.

As Prince Siegfried, the tragic hero of “Swan Lake,” both Isaac Hernández, a principal since 2025, and Daniel Camargo, a principal since 2022, proved most affecting and dramatic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 30, 2026

It’s a cruel quirk of fate, or maybe just a tragic irony, that we are celebrating America’s semiquincentennial during one of the most surreal periods in American history.

From Salon • Jun. 30, 2026

The force said it was supporting the family of the woman, and added: "Our thoughts are with them at this tragic time."

From BBC • Jun. 28, 2026

Solnit was especially moved by Sarris’ rendering of California’s tragic history.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 24, 2026

One thing was clear: He was a tragic liar.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

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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