Tragedy — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈtra-jə-dē/ trag·e·dy

Meaning & Definition of Tragedy

Tragedy (noun)

  1. a disastrous event, calamity
  2. misfortune
  3. a serious drama typically describing a conflict between the protagonist and a superior force (such as destiny) and having a sorrowful or disastrous conclusion that elicits pity or terror

Tragedy (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a sudden violent event that brings about great loss or destruction

    "the earthquake and the ensuing damage was the worst tragedy to ever befall the city"

    similar: apocalypse, calamity, cataclysm, catastrophe, debacle, disaster
    related: bloodbath, collapse, crash, meltdown, Armageddon, doomsday, end-time, convulsion, paroxysm, upheaval, accident, casualty, fatality, misadventure, mischance, misfortune, mishap, blast, blow, double whammy, one-two
    near: godsend, manna, windfall

  2. bad luck or an example of this

    "it's the tragedy of many great artists not to be recognized for their genius until after they're dead"

    similar: adversity, ill, knock, misadventure, mischance, misfortune, mishap
    related: calamity, cataclysm, catastrophe, disaster, affliction, hardship, trial, tribulation, woe, distress, misery, suffering, unhappiness, defeat, failure, fizzle, nonsuccess, curse, evil, sorrow, trouble, accident, casualty, blow, body blow, disappointment, letdown, setback, circumstance, destiny, doom, fate, lot, portion
    opposite: fortune, luck, serendipity
    near: break, chance, fluke, godsend, hit, opportunity, strike, stroke, windfall, accomplishment, achievement, success

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Tragedy

The most common words with a similar meaning to Tragedy:

apocalypse, calamity, cataclysm, catastrophe, debacle, disaster, adversity, ill, knock, misadventure, mischance, misfortune, mishap

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Tragedy

Words with the opposite meaning of Tragedy:

fortune, luck, serendipity

Related Words for Tragedy

bloodbath, collapse, crash, meltdown, Armageddon, doomsday, end-time, convulsion, paroxysm, upheaval, accident, casualty, fatality, blast, blow, double whammy, one-two, affliction, hardship, trial, tribulation, woe, distress, misery, suffering, unhappiness, defeat, failure, fizzle, nonsuccess

Near Antonyms of Tragedy

godsend, manna, windfall, break, chance, fluke, hit, opportunity, strike, stroke, accomplishment, achievement, success

Word Forms of Tragedy

Inflections: tragedies

Origin & Etymology of Tragedy

Middle English tragedie, from Middle French, from Latin tragoedia, from Greek tragōidia, from tragos goat (akin to Greek trōgein to gnaw) + aeidein to sing troglodyte, ode

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Tragedy

Frequently Asked Questions about Tragedy

What does "Tragedy" mean?

"Tragedy" means a disastrous event, calamity. As a noun, it is defined as: a disastrous event, calamity. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Tragedy"?

Other words for "Tragedy" include apocalypse, calamity, cataclysm, catastrophe, debacle, disaster, adversity and ill. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Tragedy" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Tragedy"?

There are 57 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Tragedy". Common alternatives include apocalypse, calamity, cataclysm, catastrophe, debacle, disaster, adversity, ill, knock and misadventure.

What is the opposite of "Tragedy"?

Antonyms of "Tragedy" include fortune, luck and serendipity. Near antonyms include godsend, manna, windfall and break.

How do you use "Tragedy" in a sentence?

Examples of "Tragedy" in a sentence: "the earthquake and the ensuing damage was the worst tragedy to ever befall the city"; "it's the tragedy of many great artists not to be recognized for their genius until after they're dead".

Is "Tragedy" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Tragedy" is a noun.

Is "Tragedy" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Tragedy" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Tragedy"?

"Tragedy" is pronounced /ˈtra-jə-dē/ and divided into syllables as trag·e·dy.