mockery

American  

[mok-uh-ree] / ˈmɒk ə ri /

noun

plural

mockeries

1. ridicule, contempt, or derision.

2. a derisive, imitative action or speech.

3. a subject or occasion of derision.

4. an imitation, especially of a ridiculous or unsatisfactory kind.

   Synonyms:

   mimicry

5. a mocking pretense; travesty.

   a mockery of justice.

6. something absurdly or offensively inadequate or unfitting.

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mockery British  

/ ˈmɒkərɪ /

noun

1. ridicule, contempt, or derision

2. a derisive action or comment

3. an imitation or pretence, esp a derisive one

4. a person or thing that is mocked

5. a person, thing, or action that is inadequate or disappointing

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Other Word Forms

• self-mockery noun

Etymology

Origin of mockery

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English moquerie, from Middle French; equivalent to mock + -ery

Explanation

The noun mockery means ridicule or making a fool out of someone. Mockery of your history teacher is unwise just before she grades your mid-term exams. Mockery is making fun of or mocking someone or something. The act of mockery often involves copying someone's behavior or speech, making it look absurd, like a parody. For example, comedians often get laughs with mockery, by pretending to be famous politicians and exaggerating the way they talk or gesture. The expression "to make a mockery of" means to make something appear foolish or absurd, even if that’s not the intent — like a trial that “makes a mockery of justice.”

Example Sentences

The backdoor Roth means anyone can immediately put money into a Roth regardless of how much they earn — pretty much making a mockery of the modified adjusted gross income limits for Roth contributions.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

Videos, interviews and social media posts discussing the moment have circulated widely, with reactions ranging from mockery to genuine curiosity.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

Its AI quirks "might indeed be actually part of the appeal, as they make it funnier, more bizarre, and potentially more engaging -- even if prone to mockery and hate-watching".

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

The accent might have been plummier, but his position has been remarkably consistent, even though he has faced mockery, saying that people thought his views were "bonkers".

From BBC • Jan. 28, 2026

Then it seemed to those who stood by that in the glow the faces flushed softly as with health returning, but it was only a mockery of hope.

From "The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien

Related Words

• contempt
• derision
• disdain
• ridicule
• scorn