absurdist

American  

[ab-sur-dist, -zur-] / æbˈsɜr dɪst, -ˈzɜr- /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or dealing with absurdism or the absurd.

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noun

1. an adherent of absurdism, especially a writer whose work is characterized by absurdist ideas.

Etymology

Origin of absurdist

First recorded in 1950–55; absurd + -ist

Explanation

In philosophy, art, and literature, something absurdist reflects the idea that life is ridiculous. You know you're watching an absurdist play if the characters exchange nonsensical dialogue and seem to forget who they are. People with absurdist philosophical beliefs think life has no real meaning, that life is completely absurd and irrational. Even if your personal philosophy doesn't line up with that idea, you probably appreciate the absurdist nature of certain situations. There's a lot of humor in absurdist literature like Samuel Beckett's play Waiting for Godot, in which two buffoonish men wait around for someone (they're not sure who) to show up. Absurdist has a Latin root that means "out of tune."

Example Sentences

The show uses absurdist comedy set within the cultural backdrop of urban adult life in the 1990s.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

If I had to sum up recent market action with a film title, I might pick the 2022 absurdist award-winner Everything Everywhere All at Once External link.

From Barron's • Feb. 20, 2026

This is the beginning of “Bartleby, the Scrivener,” Melville’s absurdist tale of work, agency and nonconformity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 5, 2026

Continuing Adult Swim’s absurdist legacy, Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel’s weirdo workplace comedy achieved new heights and pointed relevance in its third season.

From Salon • Dec. 19, 2025

Such improbable realities, fantastical futures, and absurdist videos are the mainstay of the Sora app, a new short video app released by ChatGPT maker OpenAI.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 26, 2025