ludicrous

[ loo-di-kruhs ]

adjective

1. causing laughter because of absurdity; provoking or deserving derision; ridiculous; laughable:

   a ludicrous lack of efficiency.

   Synonyms: farcical

ludicrous

/ ˈluːdɪkrəs /

adjective

1. absurd or incongruous to the point of provoking ridicule or laughter

Derived Forms

• ˈludicrousness, noun
• ˈludicrously, adverb

Other Words From

• ludi·crous·ly adverb
• ludi·crous·ness noun
• un·ludi·crous adjective
• un·ludi·crous·ly adverb
• un·ludi·crous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ludicrous¹

1610–20; from Latin lūdicrus “sportive,” equivalent to lūdicr(um) “a show, public games” ( lūdi-, stem of lūdere “to play” + -crum noun suffix of instrument or result) + -us -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of ludicrous¹

C17: from Latin lūdicrus done in sport, from lūdus game; related to lūdere to play

Synonym Study

See funny ¹.

Example Sentences

Johnson's showy piety is even more ludicrous in light of the report's leaked details.

From Salon

A decade into their careers, and with four number one albums, Blossoms are serious enough to have the confidence to be ludicrous.

From BBC

Both men wore heavier gloves with extra padding as part of the conditions set by the Texas commission, who sanctioned it as a pro fight - a decision which looks even more ludicrous post-fight.

From BBC

Yes, the visitors were the victims of a ludicrous red card call at the end of the opening half, but Scotland can write you a book on bad calls, if you wish.

From BBC

But this kind of ludicrous fantasy allows Hegseth to elide the deep paradox of his argument.

From Salon

Related Words

• bizarre
• comical
• crazy
• fantastic
• farcical
• foolish
• funny
• grotesque
• incongruous
• laughable
• nonsensical
• odd
• outlandish
• preposterous
• silly