absurdism

American  

[ab-sur-diz-uhm, -zur-] / æbˈsɜr dɪz əm, -ˈzɜr- /

noun

1. the philosophical and literary doctrine that human beings live in essential isolation in a meaningless and irrational world.

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Etymology

Origin of absurdism

First recorded in 1945–50; absurd + -ism

Explanation

In philosophy, absurdism is the idea that nothing in the universe makes any kind of rational sense. In comedy, absurdism is just plain ridiculous and silly. Absurdism comes from absurd, "ridiculous or unreasonable," and its Latin root, absurdus, "out of tune." If you have a philosophical belief in absurdism, you think it's a waste of time to search for the meaning of life, since the entire world is simply absurd. Most people, however, only see specific situations and events as absurd. We can appreciate the absurdism of a truly goofy comedian, even if we view the universe as rational and meaningful.

Example Sentences

Krasznahorkai, 71, is "a great epic writer in the Central European tradition that extends through Kafka to Thomas Bernhard, and is characterised by absurdism and grotesque excess," the jury said in a statement.

From Barron's • Oct. 9, 2025

The Nobel Prize in Literature described Krasznahorkai as "a great epic writer in the Central European tradition that extends through Kafka to Thomas Bernhard, and is characterised by absurdism and grotesque excess."

From BBC • Oct. 9, 2025

Cocky and sometimes crude with a puckish sense of humor, Navaly reveled in the absurdism inherent to authoritarian regimes.

From Slate • Feb. 16, 2024

“Klondike” presents a stark contrast between the quotidian rhythms of everyday life — Irka’s swollen belly provides the urgency of a ticking countdown clock — and the absurdism of the fumbling beginnings of war.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 4, 2023

My boyfriend remains utterly enraptured by the show's unhinged absurdism, while I usually struggle to give rise to an audible chuckle, save for a few smirks and snickers.

From Salon • Jun. 25, 2023