derisory

British  

/ dɪˈraɪsərɪ, -zərɪ /

adjective

1. subject to or worthy of derision, esp because of being ridiculously small or inadequate

2. another word for derisive

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Explanation

The adjective derisory means so absurd that it makes you laugh, like your friend's derisory offer to buy your valuable baseball card collection for a dollar. You can use this adjective in two ways. First, it means "ridiculously inadequate." Things in this category include derisory pay for doing a difficult job and the derisory punishment your sister gets for stealing your Halloween candy. The second meaning is "mocking or expressing contempt," basically a synonym for derisive. The Latin root of both words is deridere, "to ridicule."

Example Sentences

Notwithstanding the derisory mood of the 1970s, the sense of loss and of destiny denied would arrive much later.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

"All too often, the sentences handed down against the perpetrators of antisemitic offences and crimes seem derisory," he said.

From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026

Sir Alan first received an offer of redress in January 2024, which he rejected, describing it as "cruel and derisory".

From BBC • Nov. 4, 2025

"It's just a terrible way to treat human beings - and I have heard from several sub-postmasters who have received similarly derisory offers, while others are still waiting."

From BBC • Jan. 31, 2024

To be tossed about at the whims of superiors was an experience which he would take as composedly as he would those exiguous weekly wages which were the derisory compensation.

From The Lost Naval Papers by Copplestone, Bennet

Related Words

• absurd
• bizarre
• fantastic
• foolish
• goofy
• impossible
• incredible
• laughable
• ludicrous
• nonsensical
• outrageous
• preposterous
• silly
• unbelievable
• wacky