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.

A subtle narrative shift reassures readers that hers is not a tragic end, but one where her courage and spirit become the stuff of legend, the very “sea itself singing her name.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

If you do have to make the tragic decision to put Otis down, that will be another cost.

From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026

I guess the underlying story I want to tell is that there is no reason for evil intention behind anything, but innocent acts can build up to something tragic.

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2026

The deaths of three young women in the sea in Brighton were "tragic and horrendous", the city's council leader has said.

From BBC • May 14, 2026

My parents had a short and tragic romance.

From "The Sea in Winter" by Christine Day

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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