ridiculous
The idea that I could finish this project in one day is ridiculous!
The speaker strongly disagrees with the idea, calling it unreasonable.
so silly or absurd as to be laughable or unbelievable
The price of that shirt is ridiculous—it costs more than my rent!
The speaker finds the price unreasonably high.
His excuse for being late was so ridiculous that no one believed him.
The excuse was absurd and unconvincing.
Often used to express strong disagreement or disbelief. Can imply mockery or contempt.
deserving or inviting derision or ridicule
The committee dismissed the proposal as ridiculous and impractical.
The proposal was deemed worthy of mockery due to its impracticality.
More formal tone; used in serious contexts to criticize something as foolish.
Collocations
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Avoid overuse
While 'ridiculous' is useful for expressing strong opinions, overusing it can weaken its impact. Reserve it for situations where something is truly absurd or unreasonable.
Gold Rule
Use for strong reactions
Reserve 'ridiculous' for things that are so unreasonable or silly that they provoke laughter or disbelief. It’s not suitable for mild disagreements.
Word Origin
From Latin *ridiculus* (laughable), derived from *ridere* (to laugh). Entered English in the 16th century via Old French *ridicule*.
Usage Notes
Common in both spoken and written English, especially to emphasize disapproval or disbelief. Often used hyperbolically (e.g., 'ridiculously expensive'). Avoid using it to describe physical appearance unless in a humorous context.