Tragic/ˈtrædʒɪk/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Intensity Used to express deep sadness and often a sense of shock or devastation. The community responded with a tragic sense of loss. Pro Tip 2/3Not for Trivial Avoid using 'tragic' for minor sad events. It's for serious, often irreversible situations. Losing a game isn't tragic, but losing a loved one is. Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Death While often related to death or suffering, 'tragic' can also describe situations of great misfortune. His career's tragic downfall was unexpected.