a complete joke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complete joke" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe something that is considered ridiculous, absurd, or lacking in seriousness. Example: The new policy put in place by the company is a complete joke. It does not address any of the actual issues and is just a band-aid solution.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

What a complete joke.

Independent

"It's a complete joke.

Independent

This is why baseball is a complete joke.

The New York Times

"Australia's a complete joke in renewable energy policy.

The Guardian

"But I don't want it to be a complete joke the whole time.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's a complete joke," said Jose Lemus, president of Brymus Capital, a mortgage brokerage firm in Santa Ana, Calif.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

"All I said, in a complete joking fashion, was that I was European champion," said Vernon, 29.

BBC

"All I said in a complete joking fashion when we were all round the table, with a few other people, in good spirits having a laugh and a joke, was that I was European champion," Vernon said.

BBC

In September, again on "Face the Nation," he extended his criticisms to C.E.O.s generally, saying that their high salaries were "disgraceful" and "a total and complete joke".

The New Yorker

A quick trip to the homepage reveals that HighStranger is currently in beta (if not a complete practical joke) and will be launching officially on November 2nd.

TechCrunch

They do like him but that was a complete and utter joke.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While widely accepted, be mindful of your audience when using the phrase, especially in formal settings. Consider alternatives like "unacceptable" or "ineffective" for professional correspondence.

Common error

While "a complete joke" is a common expression, avoid using it in highly formal or professional settings where a more diplomatic or constructive critique is expected. Opt for alternatives that convey dissatisfaction without being overly dismissive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complete joke" functions as a subjective assessment, expressing a negative opinion about something. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is commonly used to convey that something is considered ridiculous or absurd.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a complete joke" is a commonly used idiom to express strong disapproval or derision, labeling something as utterly ridiculous or without value. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's best reserved for informal settings or when a dismissive tone is appropriate. When communicating in formal contexts, it is recommended to use neutral alternatives. The related phrases like "a total farce" or "utter nonsense" offer varying degrees of formality and intensity, allowing for nuanced expression of similar sentiments. Always remember audience awareness to calibrate tone appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a total farce

Emphasizes the deceptive and artificial nature of something, implying mockery and pretense.

a complete waste of time

Focuses on the futility and lack of value associated with something.

utter nonsense

Highlights the lack of logic or coherence in something, dismissing it as meaningless.

a ridiculous charade

Suggests a pretense or sham that is laughable and absurd.

a blatant absurdity

Stresses the obvious and extreme nature of something nonsensical.

laughable

A simpler, one-word alternative that directly indicates something is worthy of laughter or scorn.

a mockery

Implies a disrespectful imitation or a situation that treats something important with contempt.

an insult

Indicates something is offensive due to its poor quality or lack of effort.

a sham

Focuses on the deceptive aspect, implying something is not genuine or as it appears.

a travesty

Highlights the distorted or debased representation of something that should be taken seriously.

FAQs

What does it mean to call something "a complete joke"?

Saying something is "a complete joke" means it's considered utterly ridiculous, absurd, or lacking in any serious value. It expresses strong disapproval or derision.

What can I say instead of "a complete joke"?

You can use alternatives like "a total farce", "utter nonsense", or "a ridiculous charade" depending on the context and the level of formality required.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "a complete joke" in professional communication?

While the phrase is widely understood, it's generally best to avoid using "a complete joke" in professional communication. Opt for more diplomatic and constructive language to convey your dissatisfaction.

How do I use "a complete joke" in a sentence?

You can use "a complete joke" to describe anything from a poorly executed plan to a farcical situation. For example, "The new policy is "a complete joke"; it doesn't address any real issues."