downright laughable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "downright laughable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is so ridiculous or absurd that it provokes laughter or disbelief. Example: "The idea that we could finish the project in one day is downright laughable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

And while there are moments that are downright laughable, "Scandal" has flair and even sophistication.

The New York Times

But it seems downright laughable today that the house might have once been seen to be cold and impersonal.

The New York Times - Style

Exaggerated or downright laughable as these comments may seem to us today, they are in keeping with the way Lincoln and his contemporaries experienced the connections between literature and history.

The New York Times

Amid the current febrile media environment, defined by reckless talk of hooliganism, unsubstantiated and downright laughable supposition, and a general atmosphere of fear and smear becoming the accepted parameters, it's time supporters of football reset the discussion about flares.

The Guardian - Sport

For Brian Wong, the 21-year-old founder of Kiip, a mobile rewards company, the reaction was downright laughable: "I feel old!" A few years ago, Mr. Wong was described in the news media as the youngest person ever to receive venture capital funding.

The New York Times

"Baadasssss" explores the obstacles facing a determined black man trying to make a film; "Soul Plane" (with Snoop Dogg as a stoned, ex-convict pilot) suggests that the idea that black people could run an airline, let alone fly a plane, is downright laughable.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

The pseudoscience that results from such a combination has over the years had consequences from laughable to downright sinister.

The New York Times - Science

This is not only laughable but downright loathsome -- and there should be zero tolerance for such distortions in American politics.

Huffington Post

Jokes are made about the salivating, ugly Americans ogling topless sunbathers at European beaches, but the schizophrenic nature of our country's relationship with sex has passed from laughable to lamentable to downright detrimental.

Huffington Post

It is downright weird to watch Bo' Selecta! now, to see this white comedian reduce garage, a predominantly black music scene, to laughable hats and vocal tics.

The Guardian - Music

Laughable, too.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "downright laughable" to express strong disbelief or amusement at an idea, situation, or statement. It indicates that something is so ridiculous it's worthy of laughter.

Common error

Avoid using "downright laughable" in situations that require a serious or respectful tone. Its humorous connotation can undermine the gravity of the topic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "downright laughable" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe something as exceptionally ridiculous or absurd. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in expressing disbelief or amusement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

12%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "downright laughable" is a common and effective way to express strong disbelief or amusement at something considered utterly ridiculous. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and mainly found in News & Media contexts. While it's best used in neutral to informal settings, avoiding highly formal contexts, "downright laughable" can significantly enhance your writing when you aim to convey that a certain idea, situation, or statement is worthy of derision. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid undermining serious topics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly absurd

Emphasizes the complete lack of reason or sense.

completely ridiculous

Highlights the state of being absurd and worthy of ridicule.

patently absurd

Stresses that the absurdity is obvious and undeniable.

ludicrous

Indicates something so foolish or unreasonable as to be amusing.

preposterous

Suggests something contrary to reason or common sense to a striking degree.

farcical

Implies a situation or event that is an absurd and disorganized spectacle.

laughable

A simpler way to describe something deserving laughter.

simply absurd

Highlights the basic absurdity of something.

too silly to believe

Focuses on the lack of credibility due to extreme silliness.

comical

Describes something funny because of its ridiculousness.

FAQs

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

Use "downright laughable" to describe something that is obviously absurd or ridiculous. For instance, "The suggestion that I could finish this project in an hour is "downright laughable"."

What are some alternatives to "downright laughable"?

Alternatives include "utterly absurd", "completely ridiculous", or simply "laughable", depending on the level of emphasis you want to convey.

Is "downright laughable" formal or informal?

"Downright laughable" is generally considered informal and is best suited for casual or conversational contexts rather than formal writing.

What's the difference between "laughable" and "downright laughable"?

"Downright laughable" intensifies the meaning of "laughable", suggesting that something is not just slightly ridiculous but extremely so. It adds a stronger sense of disbelief or amusement.