ridiculous

The word “ridiculous” means deserving to be laughed at; absurd or foolish. In plain terms, so absurd or extreme that it seems laughable.

“Ridiculous” is pronounced rih-DIHK-yuu-luhs (/ɹɪˈdɪk.jə.ləs/ in IPA).

Here is “ridiculous” used in a sentence: “It's ridiculous to expect the report by tomorrow morning.”

“Ridiculous” is an adjective.

The word “ridiculous” comes from Latin. Borrowed from Latin rīdiculus (\"laughable\"); formed from ridicule plus -ous.

“Ridiculous” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Ridiculous” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: deserving to be laughed at; absurd or foolish.

Both describe something that defies good sense, but ridiculous stresses that a thing deserves mockery or laughter, while absurd stresses that it defies logic or reason. A clown's outfit is ridiculous; a square circle is absurd. In everyday speech the two overlap heavily and are often used interchangeably.

It is usually negative, labelling something as foolish or worthy of ridicule. However, in casual slang it can flip to a compliment, so calling a performance or a meal 'ridiculous' can mean it was impressively, almost unbelievably good. Tone and context decide which meaning is intended.

Wearing a heavy winter coat to the beach in summer would be ridiculous, as would a plan to empty the ocean with a spoon. The word suits anything so absurd, impractical, or foolish that a reasonable person would laugh at it or refuse to take it seriously.

The clearest opposites are sensible, reasonable, and rational, words for ideas or behaviour that hold up to scrutiny rather than inviting laughter. Serious, dignified, and credible also work when the contrast is about being taken seriously. The right opposite depends on whether you mean logical soundness or respectability.