almost laughable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost laughable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, statement, or idea that is so absurd or ridiculous that it provokes laughter or disbelief. Example: "The proposal was so poorly thought out that it was almost laughable, leaving everyone in the room shaking their heads."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's almost laughable sometimes".

The New York Times - Sports

This was almost laughable.

The New York Times - Sports

It was almost laughable now.

The New Yorker

Sometimes, in fact, it's almost laughable.

The New Yorker

Back then it seemed almost laughable.

The New York Times - Sports

Right now, that prospect appears almost laughable.

The New York Times - Sports

It came across as impolite, too easy and almost laughable.

The New York Times

In this context, photographing rooftop antennae is almost laughable.

The Guardian

"It was so transparent it was almost laughable," David says.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's almost laughable, this insistence on a reason.

The New Yorker

Mr. Schumer said the antiquated system was "almost laughable".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "almost laughable" to express mild amusement or disbelief, rather than outright mockery. This softens the criticism while still conveying the absurdity of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "almost laughable" in situations that require serious or formal language, as it can undermine the gravity of the topic and make your tone seem inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost laughable" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically describing a noun or situation that is perceived as nearly ridiculous or absurd. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Reference

2%

Social Media

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "almost laughable" is a versatile adjectival modifier used to describe situations, ideas, or statements that are on the verge of being ridiculous. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While suitable for neutral to informal settings, writers should exercise caution in formal writing and serious discussions. Related phrases such as "verging on the ridiculous" or "borderline absurd" can offer alternative ways to convey the same sentiment. Remember to use "almost laughable" to express mild amusement or disbelief, rather than outright mockery, to soften criticism and prevent inappropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

verging on the ridiculous

Emphasizes the proximity to being completely absurd or nonsensical.

borderline absurd

Highlights that something is close to crossing the line into absurdity.

nearly preposterous

Indicates a high degree of foolishness or silliness.

almost comical

Focuses on the humorous aspect of something that is close to being funny.

approaching the farcical

Suggests that a situation is becoming exaggerated and ridiculous, like a farce.

nearing the ludicrous

Highlights that something is approaching a state of being laughable or deserving of mockery.

virtually absurd

Implies something is so close to being completely ridiculous it's practically there.

on the verge of being ridiculous

Emphasizes the state of approaching complete absurdity.

close to being nonsensical

Underscores the lack of logic or reason, nearly reaching the point of absurdity.

tantamount to a joke

Positions something as equivalent to a joke, highlighting its lack of seriousness.

FAQs

How can I use "almost laughable" in a sentence?

You can use "almost laughable" to describe something that is so ridiculous or absurd that it is nearly funny. For example, "The suggestion that we could finish the project in one day was "almost laughable"."

What's a good alternative to "almost laughable"?

Alternatives include "nearly ridiculous", "borderline absurd", or "almost comical" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "almost laughable" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "almost laughable" might be too informal for certain types of formal writing. Consider using a more serious or academic tone by using a more measured phrase like "verging on the ridiculous".

What does it mean when something is described as "almost laughable"?

It means that something is so absurd or poorly executed that it is close to being humorous, though not necessarily intended to be. It often expresses disbelief or mild derision.