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

He told the BBC he thought it was "ludicrous" that his container had not met the shipping requirements.

From BBC

Fisher describes his own his own real-life battles with technology - and rails against his daughter's apparently ludicrous suggestion that he might watch the Six O'Clock News on catch-up.

From BBC

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

Related Words

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