Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Laughable: meaning, definitions and examples

😂
Add to dictionary

laughable

 

[ ˈlɑː.fə.bəl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

funny

Deserving derision or laughter; absurd; ridiculous.

Synonyms

absurd, comical, ridiculous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
laughable

Used when something is so silly or implausible that it makes you want to laugh, often implying it's not to be taken seriously.

  • Her attempt to sing was laughable.
  • The idea that he could win the race was laughable.
ridiculous

Appropriate when something is very silly or unreasonable, often to the point of being laughable or deserving mockery. It can have a negative connotation.

  • His ridiculous outfit drew a lot of laughter.
  • The rules they imposed were simply ridiculous.
absurd

Employed when describing something that is extremely unreasonable, illogical, or just plain crazy. Tends to convey a stronger sense of disbelief.

  • The suggestion that we live without electricity is absurd.
  • It would be absurd to continue this project without more funding.
comical

Best used when something is humorous in a light-hearted or charming way. It often implies that the situation is amusing rather than offensive.

  • The sight of him trying to juggle was comical.
  • Her exaggerated facial expressions were quite comical.

Examples of usage

  • The idea of a cat learning to play the piano is laughable.
  • His attempt at a serious speech was so laughable that the audience burst into laughter.
Context #2 | Adjective

not serious

So ludicrous as to be amusing; amusingly absurd.

Synonyms

absurd, amusing, ridiculous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
laughable

Something so silly or inappropriate that it makes people laugh, usually unintentionally. Often used in situations where the subject fails to meet expectations.

  • The idea that he could complete the marathon without any training was laughable.
  • His excuse for being late was absolutely laughable.
amusing

Refers to something that is entertaining or causes someone to smile or laugh, often in a light-hearted, positive way.

  • She found his stories about travel quite amusing.
  • The comedian's performance was very amusing.
ridiculous

Describes something that deserves mockery or laughter because it is very foolish, often used in a more negative sense.

  • Wearing a coat in the middle of summer is just ridiculous.
  • His demands for a higher salary were ridiculous.
absurd

Describes something that is wildly unreasonable, illogical, or inappropriate. Often highlights contradictory or extreme aspects of a situation.

  • The plan to build a bridge out of spaghetti was absurd.
  • It's absurd to think that aliens built the pyramids.

Examples of usage

  • His claim to be the world's best singer was laughable.
  • The excuses he gave were so laughable that no one believed him.

Translations

Translations of the word "laughable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 risível

🇮🇳 हास्यास्पद

🇩🇪 lächerlich

🇮🇩 menggelikan

🇺🇦 смішний

🇵🇱 śmieszny

🇯🇵 笑える

🇫🇷 risible

🇪🇸 risible

🇹🇷 gülünç

🇰🇷 웃기는

🇸🇦 مضحك

🇨🇿 směšný

🇸🇰 smiešny

🇨🇳 可笑的

🇸🇮 smešno

🇮🇸 hlægilegt

🇰🇿 күлкілі

🇬🇪 სასაცილო

🇦🇿 gülməli

🇲🇽 risible

Etymology

The word 'laughable' originated from the Middle English word 'laughen', meaning 'to laugh', combined with the suffix '-able', which forms adjectives indicating the capacity or worthiness of being laughed at. The term has been used since the 16th century to describe something that is deserving of laughter or derision.

See also: laugh, laughably, laughs, laughter.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,262, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.