absurd requirement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absurd requirement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a demand or condition that is unreasonable or illogical. Example: "The company’s policy included an absurd requirement that all employees must work on weekends without any additional pay."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But for this absurd requirement, the Postal Service's finances might be in the black.

The New Yorker

The British government announced that, on December 11th, it will finally lift its absurd requirement that pets entering the United Kingdom from the United States should be forced to endure the misery of six months in quarantine.Animals may have to spend a couple of days in quarantine while their paperwork and microchips are checked.

The Economist

This is a completely absurd requirement, largely based on numerous myths about how sexualized violence is carried out.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"They make absurd requirements on compliance, process and control .But is such caution really so absurd?

The Economist

With the patient air of someone who has tussled with Japanese bureaucracy before, he listed what he called the absurd requirements imposed upon him to take Japanese citizenship, including documentation to prove his completion of elementary school in New York City.

The New York Times

From a theoretic viewpoint one could rightly argue that the requirement is absurd: by asking to include these variables among the arguments of the policy it implicitly affirms that they are state variables (in the two previous examples they describe the weather system or the catchment), but at the same time it does not intend to model them as such.

Developments in Integrated Environmental Assessment

UK citizens are being forced into exile by the Home Office's "irrational and absurd" minimum-income visa requirements, with some couples having no hope of ever being able to live together in Britain, the supreme court has heard.

The Guardian

Obama writes, "We're also getting rid of absurd and unnecessary paperwork requirements that waste time and money.

Huffington Post

Nevertheless, some participants of the certification body meeting expressed that the European certification requirements would partly be absurd, e.g. because of the distinction in between soy as oil and press cake and connected differing sustainability requirements.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

(As an aside, that opinion was not just wrong but absurd: Congress puts all sorts of requirements on Medicaid, and could have taken away all the money without any Constitutional trouble. But that's SCOTUS).

The New Yorker

The requirement to advertise locally is absurd – an unpaid advert on Facebook will suffice – and unquestionably there is rorting going on.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "absurd requirement", ensure the context clearly demonstrates why the requirement is unreasonable. Provide specific details or examples to strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "absurd requirement" as a mere expression of disagreement. Instead, provide a logical explanation of why the requirement is unreasonable, unsupported by evidence or excessively burdensome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absurd requirement" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "absurd" modifies the noun "requirement". It serves to describe a specific kind of requirement, characterizing it as unreasonable or nonsensical. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "absurd requirement" is a phrase used to describe a demand or condition considered unreasonable or illogical. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, noting its presence in reliable news sources. While the phrase itself is relatively rare, the analysis reveals it's most commonly found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to provide clear context and justification for why the requirement is deemed absurd. Consider alternatives like "ludicrous demand" or "unreasonable stipulation" depending on the desired nuance. Though generally acceptable, more formal alternatives may suit academic or highly professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ludicrous demand

Replaces "absurd" with "ludicrous", emphasizing the ridiculous nature of the requirement.

ridiculous stipulation

Substitutes both "absurd" and "requirement" with synonyms that intensify the sense of unreasonableness.

preposterous condition

Replaces the words with synonyms that indicate the requirement is contrary to reason or common sense.

unreasonable demand

Focuses on the lack of reason behind the requirement.

irrational stipulation

Emphasizes the absence of logical thinking behind the imposed condition.

illogical condition

Highlights the lack of logical sense in the requirement.

senseless regulation

Implies the requirement lacks purpose or justification.

foolish prerequisite

Suggests the requirement is unwise and unnecessary.

inane provision

Highlights the emptiness and silliness of the requirement.

pointless obligation

Emphasizes that the requirement serves no useful purpose.

FAQs

What does "absurd requirement" mean?

An "absurd requirement" refers to a demand, condition, or rule that is unreasonable, illogical, or ridiculous. It suggests that the requirement lacks common sense or justification.

How can I use "absurd requirement" in a sentence?

You can use "absurd requirement" to describe a rule or condition that seems completely unreasonable. For example: "The company’s policy included an "absurd requirement" that all employees must work on weekends without any additional pay."

What are some alternatives to "absurd requirement"?

Some alternatives to "absurd requirement" include "ludicrous demand", "ridiculous stipulation", or "unreasonable demand". The best alternative depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "absurd requirement" too informal for academic writing?

While "absurd requirement" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "irrational stipulation" or "illogical condition" in academic writing to maintain a professional tone.