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.

"Our thoughts remain with the families of Nuria and Selena and all those impacted by this tragic incident."

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

"We have evacuated the school and will carry out a thorough investigation into this tragic incident," he added.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 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

This tragic arc is correct in outline, and Mr. Stuttard moves the story along with flair.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

"Well, it was an outrageous, tragic crime, so anger is understandable," I replied.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

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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