tragedy

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'tragedy' is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to refer to an event or occurrence that results in great loss, suffering, or destruction. For example, "The tragedy of the earthquake left many homeless and without basic resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is a tragedy.

The New York Times

Langton said the lack of numeracy and literacy among Indigenous people is "a tragedy that grows year by year.

The Guardian

The Australian prime minister, Tony Abbott, was among the first world leaders he called to promise an "open, independent investigation" of the tragedy, Poroshenko said.

The Guardian

The Mare Nostrum project is an Italian military mission that received about €30m from the European commission after the Lampedusa tragedy.

The Guardian

The brooding figure of André, played with brilliant malevolence by Niels Arestrup, takes on the full demonic force that leads to tragedy.

The Guardian - Film

Co-counsel for Brown, Ann Kirby, said: "This case is a tragedy which has profoundly affected not only the lives of the people involved, but which profoundly affects our system of justice in North Carolina.

The Guardian

A party source added: "Every suicide is a tragedy, but the latest available data shows that the rate is now the same as in 2003 and has been relatively stable during successive governments in the intervening period".

The Guardian

It wasn't much of a commercial hit, but I was amazed at the amount of heartfelt responses from young readers, whose taste for tragedy, it turned out, was at least equal to their need for the more conventional, optimistic "heartening" narratives.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Benson, like many local fishermen, believes it was the negligence not only of the gangmasters but also of the authorities that was responsible for the tragedy: "In the summer of 2003, I rescued 50 to 60 Chinese folk who were stranded while cockling for a gangmaster … That should have been a warning".

The Guardian - Opinion

Andrew Schofield came on as a narrator who spoke in rhyming couplets ("So, did y' hear the story of the Johnstone twins?/As like each other as two new pins") which gave the show an air of Greek tragedy.

The Guardian

However, in recent years, the FCO has briefed ministers to call the events a "tragedy" but to deny genocide because "the evidence is not sufficiently unequivocal" – an oxymoronic term (something is either unequivocal or it is not).

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tragedy" to convey a sense of deep sorrow, loss, or devastation. Ensure the context aligns with the gravity of the term to avoid misuse.

Common error

Avoid using "tragedy" for minor inconveniences or setbacks. The word carries significant weight and should be reserved for events of substantial loss or suffering.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "tragedy" is that of a noun. It typically refers to an event causing great suffering, destruction, and distress, often involving loss of life. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is correct and usable in written English, commonly found describing significant adverse events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term “tragedy” is most accurately used to describe events marked by significant loss, suffering, or devastation. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the word in a variety of contexts, primarily news and media, with a neutral register. Related terms include "catastrophe", "calamity", and "disaster", each carrying slightly different nuances. When using "tragedy", ensure the context matches its gravity, avoiding its overuse in mild situations. As shown in the examples, the word effectively communicates the severity and emotional impact of dire situations, eliciting empathy and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

catastrophe

Emphasizes the scale of the disaster and its immediate impact.

calamity

Focuses on the disastrous nature and the suffering it causes.

disaster

A general term for an event causing great damage or loss.

misfortune

Highlights the unfortunate and adverse nature of the event.

adversity

Focuses on the hardship and challenges resulting from the event.

unfortunate event

A more understated way to refer to a sad and regrettable occurrence.

devastating occurrence

Emphasizes the destructive and damaging impact of the event.

grievous incident

Highlights the severity and painful nature of the event.

heartbreaking affair

Focuses on the emotional distress and sorrow caused by the event.

unhappy chapter

Refers to an episode marked by sadness and difficulty.

FAQs

How is "tragedy" typically used in a sentence?

The word "tragedy" is used to describe an event or situation that results in great suffering, loss, or distress. For example, "The earthquake was a major "tragedy" for the region".

What are some alternatives to the word "tragedy"?

You can use alternatives like "catastrophe", "calamity", or "disaster" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to describe a personal setback as a "tragedy"?

While "tragedy" can sometimes refer to personal events causing significant distress, it is generally reserved for events of wider impact. Using terms like "misfortune" or "setback" might be more appropriate for personal difficulties.

What is the difference between a "tragedy" and a "disaster"?

Both "tragedy" and "disaster" refer to serious events causing harm. "Disaster" often relates to the physical damage or disruption caused, while "tragedy" emphasizes the human suffering and loss. The terms are often interchangeable, but "tragedy" carries a stronger emotional connotation.