adj

laughable

LAH-fuhbl

Laughable (adj) means So absurd or badly done that it deserves mockery rather than serious attention. Example: “His excuse for being late was laughable.”

adj

So absurd or badly done that it deserves mockery rather than serious attention.

"His excuse for being late was laughable."

"The special effects in the low-budget film were laughable."

How to use laughable

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishRidiculous or not to be taken seriously.

Common mistake

Usually used negatively — calling something "laughable" is an insult, not a compliment about its humor.

Common pairings

a laughable excuse laughably bad laughable attempt

Word forms

more laughable comparative, most laughable superlative

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “laughable” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

His excuse for being late was _____.

Etymology

From laugh plus the suffix -able.

Rhymes for laughable

able fable cable table viable liable stable tenable parable affable amiable notable

See all rhymes for laughable →

Frequently asked questions

What does “laughable” mean?

The word “laughable” means so absurd or badly done that it deserves mockery rather than serious attention. In plain terms, ridiculous or not to be taken seriously.

How do you pronounce “laughable”?

“Laughable” is pronounced LAH-fuhbl (/ˈlæfəbl̩/ in IPA).

How do you use “laughable” in a sentence?

Here is “laughable” used in a sentence: “His excuse for being late was laughable.”

What part of speech is “laughable”?

“Laughable” is an adjective.