Definitions

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.

“It’s a horrible, tragic situation on the heels of the other one just over a week ago,” Bland said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

Part-sculpted work and marble block, each has a tragic aspect to it, recalling John Greenleaf Whittier’s forlorn observation: “For of all sad words of tongue or pen, The saddest are these: ‘It might have been!’

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

It is hilarious and tragic and ultimately unforgivable, all at the same time.

From Salon • Jun. 7, 2026

But his family had also suffered tragic losses on that day.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 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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