A type of depression which occurs in Yakutia, formed by the subsidence of permafrost.
"The geologists studied the alas to understand how the melting permafrost caused the ground to sink rapidly."
"The poor dog's sorrowful bark was an alas to all who heard him."
by bad luck
"unfortunately it rained all day"
"alas, I cannot stay"
Used to express sorrow, regret, compassion or grief.
"Alas, I have missed my train and will be late for the wedding."
Alas comes from the Middle English phrase a las, which combined "ah" with the Old French word for weary. This ultimately traces back to the Latin word lassus, meaning tired or exhausted.