ridiculous
Americanadjective
adjective
Related Words
See absurd.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of ridiculous
First recorded in 1540–50; from Late Latin rīdiculōsus “laughable, droll,” equivalent to Latin rīdicul(us), adjective derivative of rīdiculum ridicule ( def. ) + -ōsus -ous ( def. )
Explanation
Did you just say that you could toss a rubber chicken over an ocean? Don’t be ridiculous, because ridiculous words are hard to believe, and they will make others laugh at you, not always in a good way either. The adjective ridiculous comes from the Latin word ridere, which means “to laugh,” but it’s also related to the word ridicule, which means to mock in a cruel way. A mocking and cruel laughter, that’s a common reaction to ridiculous situations. However, there are all different kinds of ridiculous, like seeing a fish holding an umbrella while riding a bike.
Vocabulary lists containing ridiculous
The Secret Life of Bees
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Commonly Misspelled Words, List 6
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"Abuela Invents the Zero" and "Karate"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
His final stat line read like a series of increasingly ridiculous typos: 49 minutes, 41 points, 24 rebounds and three blocks.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026
In my mind, it was ridiculous, because I didn’t understand the value of it.
From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026
She refers to a "ridiculous" sketch from week two set in an Industrial Revolution-era factory, in which the cast were tasked with gluing the ends of fast food restaurant wraps together.
From BBC • May 17, 2026
"For me, it's ridiculous," the goalkeeper added, taking a break from palming away shots struck by friends wearing colorful Brazil and Barcelona jerseys.
From Barron's • May 13, 2026
Before I can comment on his ridiculous attempt at maturity, he burns his thumb and quickly abandons the effort.
From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
